Survival and competitiveness of Quercus rubra regeneration associated with planting stocktype and harvest opening intensity

Successful regeneration of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) on productive sites is problematic in eastern North American forests. Natural and artificial regeneration often cannot compete with fast-growing, shade intolerant species such as yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.). This study examines 5-year survival, growth, and competitive ability of planted northern red oak seedlings in various group selection harvest sizes in south-central Indiana, USA. Seedling stocktypes consisted of high (BHD; 75 seedlings m^?2) and low (BLD; 21 seedlings m^?2) nursery-bed-density bareroot seedlings, and small (CS; 11.4 L) and large (CL; 18.9 L) container seedlings. Group selection openings included large (0.400 ha), medium (0.100 ha), and small (0.024 ha) circular gaps in four stands. Larger stocktypes and gap sizes improved seedling height, diameter, and growth; ANOVA indicated only gap size was significant for seedling survival. Logistic regression showed survival was positively correlated to diameter at year 1, and aspect, gap size, and stocktype were significant predictors of survival. Our data indicated no differences in density of natural regeneration among gap sizes, although trends suggest greater numbers of bigger competitors in larger gaps sizes. Yellow-poplar regeneration was the tallest competitor of more than 50% of all northern red oak seedlings. Competitive status of seedlings after 5 years differed only by stocktype, with large container stock in a better competitive position than bareroot stock. However, less than 20% of seedlings in all stocktypes in each gap treatment were considered competitive (i.e., ≥80% of the height of tallest competitor) against their tallest competitor. The use of larger planting stock may offer greater opportunities for successfully regenerating northern red oak seedlings on productive sites but likely would have to be accompanied by treatments to reduce woody competition.     

Survival and growth of upland oak and co-occurring competitor seedlings following single and repeated prescribed fires

Studies within and outside the U.S. indicate recurring oak (Quercus spp.) regeneration problems. In deciduous forests of the eastern U.S., a prevailing explanation for this trend is fire suppression leading to high competitor abundance and low understory light. In response, prescribed fire is increasingly used as a management tool to remedy these conditions and encourage future oak establishment and growth. Within eastern Kentucky, we implemented single and repeated (3×) prescribed fires over a 6-yr period (2002–2007). Pre- and post-burn, we quantified canopy cover and oak seedling survival and growth compared to other woody seedlings deemed potential competitors, primarily red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees.). Burning temporarily decreased canopy cover 3–10%, but cover rebounded the subsequent growing season. Repeated burning ultimately produced canopy cover about 6% lower than sites unburned and burned once, suggesting a cumulative effect on understory light. Red maple exhibited low survival (∼40%) following single and repeated burns, but growth remained similar to unburned seedlings. Burning had little impact on sassafras survival and led to total height and basal diameters 2× greater than unburned seedlings. A single burn had no impact on red oak (Erythrobalanus spp.) survival and increased height and basal diameters 25–30%, but this positive growth response was driven by seedlings on several plots which experienced high burn temperatures and consequently high overstory mortality. White oaks (Leucobalanus spp.), however, exhibited twice as high mortality compared to those unburned, with no change in growth parameters. Repeated burning negatively impacted survival and growth of both oak groups compared to unburned seedlings. With both burn regimes, oaks with smaller pre-burn basal diameters exhibited the lowest post-burn survival. Thus, despite the ability of prescribed burns to temporarily increase understory light and reduce red maple survival, neither single or repeated burns placed oaks in an improved competitive position. These findings result from a combination of highly variable yet interdependent factors including the (1) life history traits of oaks compared to their co-occurring competitors, (2) pre-burn stature of pre-existing oak seedlings, and (3) variability in fire temperature and effects on understory light.     

Performance of northern red oak enrichment plantings in naturally regenerating Southern Appalachian hardwood stands

The limited success of methods to naturally regenerate northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) has increased the use of artificial techniques to improve overall oak composition. Enrichment plantings are often recommended as a means to supplement species composition within the existing natural reproduction. Previous enrichment efforts have often resulted in low survival and poor growth, generally due to poor planting stock quality and a lack of competition control. In this study, high quality northern red oak seedlings were established on four recently harvested sites in western North Carolina using one of four competition control treatments (untreated, year 1 control, year 2 control or a weed mat) in a 1.2 × 1.2 m area around each seedling with or without a soil fertility amendment. The 3 year results show that competition control and fertilization treatments had few positive impacts on survival and growth of the planted seedlings. These results suggest that either the treatment area was insufficient to adequately release the seedlings, or other factors like belowground competition from existing advance reproduction and/or stump sprouts may be important determinants of the overall success of northern red oak enrichment plantings on recently harvested sites.     

Quantifying flooding effects on hardwood seedling survival and growth for bottomland restoration

Growing interest worldwide in bottomland hardwood restoration necessitates improved ecological understanding of flooding effects on forest tree seedlings using methodology that accurately reflects field conditions. We examined hardwood seedling survival and growth in an outdoor laboratory where the timing, depth, duration, and flow rate of flood water can be carefully controlled while simulating natural soil conditions occurring in floodplains. Flooding treatments were initiated in mid-May and included partial inundation (15–20?cm) during the growing season for 5-week flowing, 5-week standing, 3-week flowing, and control. We monitored the vigor, survival, and growth (changes in basal diameter and stem length) of six hardwood species representing a wide range in expected flood tolerance including eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr. Ex Marsh.), pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.), swamp white oak (Q. bicolor Willd.), bur oak (Q. macrocarpa Michx.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), and pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch]. All stock was 1-0 bareroot except that cuttings were used for eastern cottonwood. Five species—eastern cottonwood, bur oak, swamp white oak, pin oak, and pecan—exhibited high survival probabilities (>0.62 for cottonwood; >0.77 for the others) regardless of flood treatment. But of the survivors, only eastern cottonwood and swamp white oak maintained positive growth and healthy green foliage. Despite high survival, bur oak and pin oak suffered stem growth losses and exhibited chlorotic foliage in flood treatments suggesting greater vulnerability to other abiotic or biotic stresses if outplanted on flood-prone sites. Pecan also suffered stem dieback in controls suggesting vulnerability to competition and browsing when outplanted despite high survival after flooding. Our quantitative data helps to confirm and/or refine previously published qualitative flood tolerance ratings for these species, and describes operation of an in situ outdoor flood experiment laboratory that may prove effective in guiding future flood tolerance research.     

Lifting and storing bareroot blue oak (Quercus douglasii) seedlings

In California today, several species of native oaks are not regenerating adequately. Artificial regeneration is a means of ensuring sufficient recruitment to replace trees that die or are harvested, and restoring areas where trees have been cleared. Until recently, however, no bareroot oak seedlings were being produced in the state and there was little information to guide nursery operators. This study evaluated the potential of bareroot blue oak seedlings to survive and grow after outplanting. Results indicated that 1-0 nursery stock performed well in the field as long as seedlings were planted early enough in the season to take advantage of a favorable growing environment. Late lifting and long storage resulted in planting at a time when soils were already becoming dry and temperatures were hot. As a result, seedlings grew slowly or even died. Seedlings lifted early in the season (December) grew best. Either one or two months of storage had little effect on seedlings lifted at this time of year. However, seedlings lifted in January, February, and even early March performed adequately as long as they were in the ground by early March. In this study, root growth capacity was not a good predictor of subsequent field performance.     

Restoration of hard mast species for wildlife in Missouri using precocious flowering oak in the Missouri River floodplain, USA

Increased planting of hard mast oak species in the Lower Missouri River floodplain is critical as natural regeneration of oak along the Upper Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers has been limited following major flood events in 1993 and 1995. Traditional planting methods have limited success due to frequent flood events, competition from faster growing vegetation and white-tailed deer herbivory. Results of early growth response of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor Willd.) seedlings in relation to initial acorn mass and size, and early rapid shoot growth for seedlings produced by containerized root production method (RPM™), are presented. Containerized RPM™ seedlings grown in the greenhouse under optimal conditions demonstrate that seed size had no discernable impact on first-year root or shoot size. Seedling survival for the first two years and acorn production for the first three years after outplanting are presented, comparing use of containerized RPM™ swamp white oak seedlings to nursery stock. Flood tolerant precocious RPM™ oak seedlings in the floodplain provide a source of food for acorn-consuming wildlife ten to fifteen years sooner than oaks originating from natural regeneration, direct seeding or traditional bare root planting. Compared to bare root nursery stock that produced no acorns, some RPM™ swamp white oak seedlings averaged 4.3, 5.2, and 6.3 acorns/seedling in the first three years after fall outplanting. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Comparing large containerized and bareroot conifer stock on sites of contrasting vegetation composition in a non-herbicide scenario

Planting stock selection is an integral part of plantation management, as forest nursery practices influence the physiological status of the seedlings and their capacity to cope with resource availability on different planting sites. We thus compared the 11th-year dimensions and survival of large white spruce (Picea glauca) and black spruce (P. mariana) seedlings produced as 2 + 2 bareroot or 2 + 0 container stock (cell volume of 350 cm³), used to reduce the need for competition control. Using complete split-block designs, we evaluated the seedling competitive potential and response to mechanical release on two sites of contrasting ecological fertility and vegetation dominance in Quebec, Canada. We found that large spruce seedlings can be successfully established on high-competition sites in a context where chemical herbicides cannot be used. These stock types had a limited impact on survival and growth, and both stock responded similarly to mechanical vegetation control. In this context, the choice of stock type should prioritize the highest quality large seedling based on operational considerations such as availability and ease of transportation. Mechanical site preparation was not necessary to promote seedling growth and survival on these sub-boreal sites.     

Underplanting Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) Seedlings on a Bottomland Site in the Southern United States

We initiated a study on a bottomland site in the southern United States to examine the effects of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg) control and seedlings of two root classes on survival and growth of underplanted cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings. Three honeysuckle control treatments were assigned to nine 0.5-ha plots in a stand harvested to 30% residual stocking. Treatments included a spring 1997 herbicide application (Escort^®, metsulfuron-methyl), a similar application in the late summer of 1997, and a control (no herbicide application). In 1998, half of each treatment plot was planted with seedlings having four or more first-order lateral roots > 1 mm in diameter, while the other half of each plot received seedlings with fewer than four lateral roots. Four years after treatment, the early season application reduced honeysuckle biomass 60% relative to the other treatments, but we did not observe a survival or growth response by underplanted seedlings. Three years after establishment, seedlings that initially had four or more lateral roots were 16% taller and 18% larger in root-collar diameter than seedlings in the other class, but these differences were primarily due to initial size differences maintained through the study period. Over all treatments, oak seedlings averaged 87% survival while showing a 300% increase in height and a 170% increase in root-collar diameter 3 years after planting. Our results suggest that partial stand harvesting followed by underplanting may be a viable approach for establishing cherrybark oak reproduction on bottomland sites of the southern United States.     

Eight-year performance of bareroot Douglas-fir and bareroot and plug western larch Seedlings following herbicide applications,northeast Oregon,USA

Plantation success in northeastern Oregon can be limited by poor survival for western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) seedlings. Vegetation management treatments may increase soil moisture availability during the dry summer months, thereby increasing the probability of seedling survival. Chemical site preparation treatments were applied in spring 2007, summer 2007, and spring 2008 to determine if such treatments would improve survival and growth of bareroot Douglas-fir and bareroot and plug western larch seedlings on three sites near Elgin, Oregon. Although some herbicide treatments significantly increased survival, results were not consistent among sites. Overall, Douglas-fir had greater survival after 7–8 years than larch seedlings. Seedling size 7–8 years after planting was also highly variable among sites and treatments with larch seedlings being taller and larger than Douglas-fir seedlings, on the average. Size for all stock types was negatively correlated with vegetative cover and positively correlated with first-year soil moisture. Macro- and microclimatic conditions, including topography and soil depth, were likely contributors to differences in survival and growth.     

Root system morphology of Quercus rubra L. planting stock and 3-year field performance in Iowa

On 3 sites, 3-year performance of 1+0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings was evaluated with respect to initial root system grade. Seven hundred twenty nursery-run bareroot northern red oak seedlings were graded according to numbers of large (>1mm) first-order lateral roots and outplanted in spring 1987 on eight 90-tree plots distributed among three sites in central Iowa. Survival, height growth, and diameter growth were significantly greater for seedlings with 10 or more large first-order lateral roots than for seedlings with 4 or fewer. Seedling survival and growth were significantly and positively related to initial root grade. First-year height growth, however, was significantly and negatively correlated with initial height. Combined results for seedling survival and growth indicated that red oak seedlings with five or more large first-order lateral roots have a greater probability of success both in terms of survival and early growth than do those with four or fewer first-order lateral roots.Journal paper no. J-15193 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa, Project no. 2485.     

Influence of tree shelters on seedling success in an afforested riparian zone

The restoration of a natural riparian ecosystem is a key component to improving water quality and restoring stream health in a disturbed watershed. The rate and degree of riparian restoration, and hence stream restoration, depends in part upon afforestation practices. Successful afforestation is determined largely by the rates of survivorship and growth of the tree species planted or recruited in a riparian zone. This study was part of a project involving the restoration of a channelized section of Wilson Creek located in the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Nelson County, Kentucky. Riparian restoration activities focused on reestablishing a native riparian corridor using American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. subintegerrima), and pin oak (Quercus palustris). This study evaluated techniques for improving the growth and survivorship of planted seedlings along Wilson Creek. Specifically, two tree shelter types (Tubex^® vs. continental mesh), with or without herbicide treatments, were compared. Additionally, the influence of these techniques on debris retention within the riparian zone was also examined. Results showed that use of tree shelters significantly increased the growth of seedlings (but not survivorship), provided physical protection especially during heavy flooding events, and accelerated woody debris retention. Both Tubex^® and continental mesh tree shelters were effective in enhancing seedling growth, with Tubex^® shelters yielding significantly better growth when combined with herbicide to control competing vegetation. Thus, the most cost effective choice may depend on the environmental setting and ability to combine the shelters with other growth enhancing treatments.     

Is nitrogen fertilization in the nursery a suitable tool for enhancing the performance of Mediterranean oak plantations?

Mediterranean oaks frequently have poor performance in forest restoration projects. We analyzed if nitrogen (N) fertilization during nursery cultivation enhances the outplanting performance of two ecologically distinct oaks, Quercus coccifera L. an evergreen shrub, and Quercus faginea L., a deciduous tree. Additionally, we compared the sufficiency N levels of both oaks and if root growth capacity (RGC) and photosynthesis testing at low air temperature better discriminated among fertilization treatments than testing at mild temperature. Plants were cultivated under five N fertilization rates (0, 30, 75, 150 and 200 mg N plant^?1) for one growing season. At the end of the cultivation period several plant material and performance attributes were measured. RGC and photosynthesis were assessed at mild temperature and cool conditions in Q. coccifera, while in Q. faginea these attributes were only analyzed at mild temperature conditions. Q. coccifera seedlings were transplanted into four terraces that imposed increasing drought stress, while Q. faginea seedlings were transplanted into an abandoned wheat cropland. Sufficiency level was higher for the tree (150 mg N plant^?1) than for the shrub (75 mg N plant^?1) Nitrogen-deprived Q. coccifera plants had higher frost damage than remaining treatments, which did not differ among them. Fertilization in Q. faginea did not affect photosynthesis rate but it delayed leaf senescence and abscission. RGC increased with fertilization in both species. Testing temperature did not change the effect of fertilization on RGC in Q. coccifera. Photosynthesis in cool conditions discriminated N-deprived seedlings from the remaining treatments, but treatments did not differ in photosynthesis at mild temperature. Fertilization enhanced outplanting survival in Q. coccifera, primarily in the terraces imposing stronger drought stress, while fertilization only increased growth in the terraces imposing mild drought stress. Overall, survival and growth was positively related to seedling size at planting in both oaks. Additionally, Q. coccifera survival was also positively related to RGC in the harsh planting conditions. Field growth was positively related to RGC and plant N concentration in both oaks but the relation was weak or nonexistent under harsh conditions in Q. coccifera. We conclude that fertilization in the nursery is an important tool for improving the success of oak plantations in Mediterranean continental sites, and that large and N-rich seedling have greater field performance than small and low tissue N concentration seedlings, especially in harsh field sites.     

Obtaining Adequate Light for Planted Bottomland Oak (Quercus spp.) Seedlings: A Case Study Utilizing Midstory Control

Bottomland hardwood forests of the United States have drastically declined since European settlement. Although much of the reported loss has resulted from conversion to agriculture and urban development, thousands of additional hectares have been degraded due to selective harvesting and a lack of effort to establish desirable regeneration prior to harvesting. Research has indicated that seedlings of some oak species perform best with intermediate levels of light, while performing less desirably at both high and low levels. This study demonstrates that controlling undesirable midstory trees through herbicide injection alone can be sufficient to create suitable light conditions for oak regeneration in some circumstances. We were able to increase the average percentage of total available light to 31.5% (SE = 0.029) as compared to only 14.2% (SE = 0.011) in untreated areas (F_1,33 = 46.57, p < .0001). Additionally, oak seedlings planted in areas receiving midstory control exhibited good to excellent survival compared to results of other relevant studies. The present case study supports the belief that performance of oak seedlings can be increased by establishing appropriate light conditions.     

Effect of density control and undercutting on root morphology of 1+0 bareroot hardwood seedlings: five-year field performance of root-graded stock in the central USA

The Hardwood Quality Nursery Cooperative (bareroot forest nurseries in 5 midwestern states) initiated a series of studies in 1987 to evaluate red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) seedling performance as a function of cultural treatments and seedling root system morphology.Seedlings were grown at three densities (32, 64, and 128 stems m^-2for red oak; 32, 64, and 96 stems m^-2for black walnut), and half of the density plots were undercut. Seedlings received fertilizer, weeding, and irrigation treatments customary to their respective nurseries. Seedlings were lifted, measured, and outplanted in their respective states as completely random individual tree plots during spring 1988. Survival, height, and diameter were evaluated annually through 1992.Seedling height, diameter, and number of permanent first-order lateral roots (FOLR) decreased with increasing bed density. At a given density, undercutting produced smaller seedlings (for both height and diameter) that had greater numbers of FOLR. Numbers of FOLR influenced seedling performance after outplanting. Red oak seedlings with at least 5 FOLR and black walnut with at least 7 FOLR had better survival and growth than seedlings with fewer roots.     

The increasing scarcity of red oaks in Mississippi River floodplain forests: Influence of the residual overstory

Red oaks – cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.), willow oak (Quercus phellos L.), water oak (Quercus nigra L.), and Nuttall oak (Quercus texana Buckley; aka: Quercus nuttallii Palmer) – are not regrowing in Mississippi Delta river floodplain forests in the southeastern United States in sufficient numbers to sustain the former species composition and timber and wildlife values. Even if vigorous red oak reproduction becomes established, partial harvesting that does not remove the taller trees will suppress understory red oak height growth more than it will suppress height growth of such other species as sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.), American elm (Ulmus americana L.), cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia Nutt.), swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina Mill.), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.). Consequently, the red oaks in these partially harvested stands become increasingly suppressed and probably die; and there is a shift in species composition to the other species. In addition to ensuring vigorous oak reproduction, silvicultural clearcutting or rapid removal of the residual trees following shelterwood or seed tree harvesting to provide full sunlight is needed to ensure red oaks become a dominant part of these future river floodplain stands.     

Modified exponential nitrogen loading to promote morphological quality and nutrient storage of bareroot-cultured Quercus rubra and Quercus alba seedlings

Abstract

Exponential nutrient loading has been used to improve nursery fertilizer uptake efficiency of conifer seedlings, but the technique has received little attention in the culture of temperate deciduous hardwoods. This study examined responses of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and white oak (Q. alba L.) seedlings to modified exponential nitrogen loading during bareroot nursery culture using a broad range of nutrient supply from 0 to 3.35 g nitrogen (N) per plant per season for 18 weeks in Indiana, USA. Seedling growth and nutritional parameters followed a curvilinear pattern that ranged from deficiency to toxicity with increased fertilization consistent with trends depicted in the proposed model for nutrient loading. Fertilization increased plant dry mass by 113–260% for red oak and 49–144% for white oak. Severe nutrient deficiency occurred under indigenous soil fertility, and limited phosphorus and potassium uptake were found to inhibit seedling growth at higher N supply. The sufficiency and optimum rates were determined to be 0.84 and 1.68 g N per seedling per season, respectively, under the current cultural conditions. Fertilization at 1.68 g N per plant increased N content by 40% in red oak and 35% in white oak. This approach may be used to help refine nursery fertilization practices in hardwood culture to produce high-quality seedlings for field planting.     

Effect of spacing on growth and quality parameters in sessile oak (Quercus petraea) stands in central Poland: results 7 years after planting

We examined the growth and quality of young oaks in stands established at three different spacings. The three densities were the traditional level, that is, 8000?seedlings?ha^?1 (1.5?×?0.85?m) plus two where the initial density was decreased by 50% and 70%, achieved by increasing the distance between the rows from 1.5 to 3 or 4.5?m. The experiment was located in central Poland on a moderately fertile site. In the two wider spacings, the intention was to use natural regeneration occurring between oak rows as a replacement of intraspecific competition for oaks. The mean height was only affected in the third and the fourth year after establishment. Subsequently, the differences between spacings with respect to both growth and quality traits were insignificant and small. At lower densities, natural regeneration of willow and aspen was abundant and inter-species competition replaced intra-species competition, thus explaining the absence of a spacing effect on growth and quality properties. In the study period, the wider spacings were economically beneficial compared to traditional densities. A strong competition affecting height growth caused by natural regeneration necessitated extensive tendings. More tendings are likely to be needed in the future and they might reduce the initial economical superiority of wider spacing. The study indicates that it is possible to decrease the initial spacing in oak plantations and simultaneously support good growing conditions by means of natural processes, for example, natural regeneration. However, economic efficiency of the method has to be studied in a longer perspective.     

Inoculation of ectomycorrhizal fungi contributes to the survival of tree seedlings in a copper mine tailing

To advance our understanding of the effects of inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) on seedling colonization in mine wastelands, we conducted a field experiment in a copper tailing. Six-month-old seedlings of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and oak (Quercus variabilis) separately inoculated with three EMF species (Pisolithus sp., Cenococcum geophilum, Laccaria laccata) were transplanted to the copper tailing. The survival rates of tree seedlings were monitored monthly, and growth (biomass and height), contents of nutrients and heavy metals (K, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn), and mycorrhizal infection rates of seedlings were determined 6 months after planting. Oak seedlings exhibited higher survival rates than pine seedlings after 6 months of growth on the tailing. EMF inoculations of pine seedlings significantly enhanced their survival, growth, and nutrient uptake. In contrast, EMF inoculations of oak seedlings improved growth only in terms of biomass. Additionally, EMF inoculation caused pine seedlings to accumulate more Cu and Zn in roots compared to non-inoculated seedlings, whereas inoculation inhibited the accumulation of heavy metals in shoots. However, similar results were not observed in oak seedlings. Observations of roots indicated that the rates of mycorrhizal infection of both tree species had dramatically declined at harvest time. In conclusion, ectomycorrhizal symbioses can improve the survival and performance of pine seedlings in mine tailings. The present study provided direct evidence of the importance of EMF inoculation of seedlings to the reforestation of mine wastelands.     

Northern red oak planting stock: 6-year results

A northern red oak plantation was established in 1988 in a recently clearcut mixed oak stand to evaluate outplanting performance relative to type of planting stock (1--0, 2--0, 1--1, 2--1, 2-year-old containerized, and direct-seeded) and other cultural factors (undercutting in the nursery, raising stock in an extended growing season in Alabama vs a local Pennsylvania nursery, top-clipping at planting time, and tree shelters). Six years after outplanting, seedlings grown from 2-year-old containerized stock were tallest (averaging 3.3 m) and had excellent survival. Among other treatments, 2--0 bareroot stock, especially if undercut in the nursery and top-clipped at planting, performed best and averaged 3.0 m height and 100% survival. Remaining treatments, especially 1--0, were smaller and had reduced survival. Seedlings from direct-seeding were as tall as most 1--0 treatments. Undercutting, top-clipping, nursery transplanting, raising stock in different nurseries, and tree shelters minimally affected the height or survival of seedlings. Seedlings above average in height 3 years after outplanting when fencing was removed and herbiciding ceased, were most likely to survive after 6 years.     

Oak restoration in water-limited pine plantations: interactive effects of overstory light interception and water availability on understory oak performance

Oak regeneration within pine monocultures is an opportunity to diversify forest structure. We examined the relationships between overstory (Pinus brutia) light interception and understory oak (Quercus ithaburensis) performance in water-limited forests. The study was performed in a mature pine plantation in Mediterranean Israel. Twenty-year-old oaks differing in location with respect to pine overstory and representing a gradient of light availability, such as open space (irradiance 100 %), interface (17–77 %), and understory (14–23 %), were monitored. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), leaf gas exchange, and twig water potential (TWP) were measured during the growth season under increasing drought stress. Predawn TWP decreased sharply from early to late spring and was positively related to irradiance during mid-spring only. Predawn to midday TWP gradient was positively related to irradiance mostly so during mid-spring. Daily averages of stomatal conductance (gs), net carbon assimilation rate (A), and transpiration rate (E) were highest in early spring and decreased gradually toward late spring. They were positively related to irradiance though this relationship became less pronounced from early to late spring. Oak height and stem basal area were positively related to irradiance. A/gs ratio was positively related to irradiance throughout the entire growth season. It increased from early to mid-spring but decreased toward late spring. A/PPFD ratio decreased from early to late spring showing a negative relationship with irradiance. We concluded that light availability was mainly responsible for spatial variation in oak performance and proposed that small-scale overstory gaps aiming for direct sunlight exposure during early spring should achieve maximum understory oak performance with minimal pine removal.