| Title: |
Effect of Overstory Density
and Understory Control on the Establishment and Growth of
Oak (Study 108)
|
| Objective: |
To observe long term impacts of forest regeneration under
various overstory densities. |
| Year Established: |
1981 |
| Year Completed: |
expected to continue |
| Site Description: |
Athens Ranger District - Wayne National Forest, OH.
Township and range coordinates are available.
Upland mixed oak transition and mixed oak-hickory stands located
on the Allegheny Plateau and adjacent areas. |
| Statistical Design: |
Split plot with randomized complete blocks. 8 regeneration
plots (0.0026 acres each) in 36 stands replicated by treatment
and site index.
Treatment plot size: 2-acres (0.6-acre measurement with 1 chain
buffer).
Total regeneration treatment plots: 288. Overstory densities
were managed in the main plots, understory control measures
occurred in the subplots. |
| Likelihood of Locating Study Areas: |
100% |
| Experimental Treatments: |
Shelterwood cuts to 40% and 60% relative density with understory
treatment by fire and herbicide. Each block consists of 4 or
5 overstory density treatments: uncut control; shelterwood cut,
residual stocking-60%; shelterwood cut, residual stocking-40%
after 5 years; clear-cut and 3 methods of understory control:
untreated control; prescribed burned, repeated 3 to 5 year intervals
as needed. The main plots contain overstory density treatments
and subplots contain the understory control methods. Note: Clear-cut
never installed, 60-40 2-cut shelterwoods not completed, understory
treatments were never repeated. |
| Sampling Methods: |
Long Term Layout/Design: Regeneration plots - 8 6' radius
plots in 36 stands replicated by treatment and site index. Silvah
is used to summarize 100% stem tally for all trees > 0.6" d.b.h.
that were measured. |
| Variables and Sampling Frequency: |
Seedling counts made by species and height classes <1.0',
1.0'-3.0', 3.0'-5.0', >5.0'. and herbaceous cover measured:
1981, 1983, (pretreatment), 1985 by Russell Walters. 10-yr regeneration:
1992
Independent: overstory density levels, understory control
method.
Dependent: % stocking and sp. composition of regeneration,
height, diameter, origin, and vigor of regeneration, and amount
of competition and resprouting of understory. Seedling counts
made by sp. and height classes <1', 1'-3,3'-5', >5'. Herbaceous
cover measured: 1985. Note: after 1993 expect continuation
for regeneration surveys only.
|
| QA/QC Practices: |
The 1992 data was field checked and all data entered into
computer is 100% cross checked with field sheets. Backups are
stored in fireproof safe. Plant identification training was
given to field crew members. |
| Data Storage: |
Raw on paper and floppy disk. Silvah, Symphony (spreadsheet),
and SAS were the analysis programs used with data. 2 high density
(1.4 meg.) diskettes in fireproof safe. Hardcopies filed in
Morgantown. All backup diskettes in fireproof safe. |
| Global Change Research Applications: |
Studies of Ecosystem Processes
Model Development and Application |
| Data Availability: |
unknown |
| Publications and Reports: |
Doctoral Dissertation.
Some summarizations and conclusions written by Russ Walters.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern
Forest Experiment Station, Warren, PA. |
| Contact: |
Kurt Gottschalk, USDA Forest Service, 180 Canfield St., Morgantown
WV 26505-3101. (304) 285-1598 |
| Cooperation: |
Phil Perry with Wayne National Forest in Athens Ohio. |
