Project Number: WVA00086
CRIS Number: 0181794
Silviculture Techniques to Sustain Diversity in Young Central Appalachian Forests.
Investigators: Fajvan, M. A.
Performing Department: Forestry -- 1240
Start Date: 05/01/1999
Termination Date: 04/30/2004
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
Shelterwood/Prescribed Fire Study: In 1993, four, 10 acre Appalachian hardwood stands received a shelterwood seed cut. After 6 growing seasons, black cherry, red maple and sassafras seedlings dominated the regeneration. Because regeneration composition did not reflect the pre-harvest overstory, a prescribed fire was conducted in November 1999 primarily to reduce the density of black cherry and red maple and to promote oak species. The effects of fire on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients are also being examined. In the summer of 1999, the 10-acre treatment blocks were divided into two, 5-acre treatments: burned and unburned. In each 5-acre block, nine, milacre sampling plots were established and all woody and herbaceous vegetation
Publications:
Brashears, M.B. 2001. An assessment of stand structure and species diversity following clearcutting in central Appalachian Hardwoods. Masters Thesis. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV. 45 p.
Impact:
To document the invasion strategies, competitive interactions and survival of commercial tree species following strip-clearcutting and a shelterwood/fire regime.