02/17/1992

Hardwood Regeneration

AUBURN, Ala.— Hardwood forests in Alabama are under increasing demand for wood products and are highly valued for other uses as well. Managing these forests for specific uses, such as wood production or game habitat, is generally more complex than managing pine stands, primarily because a wider diversity of species (with varied ecological characteristics and values) is involved.

Mike Golden, associate professor of Forestry at Auburn University, conducted an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station study in 1991 to gather information about the establishment and development of hardwood seedlings.

The study, which focused particularly on hardwood oaks, showed that group selection harvests that create openings ranging from three-fourths to three acres have been highly successful in providing the establishment of large numbers of cherrybark, water and willow oak seedlings. Timing of harvest is an important factor in improving oak establishment success in areas where it has been a problem. The study indicated that cuttings must be timed to provide release to the current year's new seedlings before they die in the dense understory shade.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Katie Jackson, 334-844-5886 or smithcl@auburn.edu

02/17/92