The establishment and development of oak forests in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1790-1797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick D Soucy ◽  
Eric Heitzman ◽  
Martin A Spetich
Keyword(s):  
Fire Suppression ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Ozark Mountains ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Fire Scar ◽  
History Of

The disturbance history of six mature white oak (Quercus alba L.) – northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) – hickory (Carya spp.) stands in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas were reconstructed using tree-ring and fire-scar analysis. Results indicate that all six stands originated in the early 1900s following timber harvesting and (or) fire. These disturbances initiated a pulse of oak-dominated establishment. Most sites were periodically burned during the next several decades. Abrupt radial growth increases in all stands during the 1920s to 1940s reflected additional disturbances. These perturbations likely provided growing space for existing trees, but did not result in increased seedling establishment. Thus, multiple disturbances were important in the origin and development of the stands studied. By the 1930s and 1940s, oak establishment was replaced by shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant non-oak species; few oak recruited into tree size classes after the 1950s. The decrease in oaks and the increase in non-oaks coincided with fire suppression. Few scars were recorded during the past 60–70 years. Prescribed fire may be an important management tool in regenerating oak forests in northern Arkansas.

scholarly journals Prescribing Fire in Eastern Oak Forests: Is Time Running Out?

2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 190-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc D. Abrams
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
20Th Century ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Fire Suppression ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
White Oak ◽  
European Settlement

Abstract Before European settlement, vast areas of the eastern US deciduous forest were dominated by oak species. Evidence indicates that periodic understory fire was an important ecological factor in the historical development of oak forests. During European settlement of the late 19th and early 20th century, much of the eastern United States was impacted by land-clearing, extensive timber harvesting, severe fires, the chestnut blight, and then fire suppression and intensive deer browsing. These activities had the greatest negative impact on the once-dominant white oak, while temporarily promoting the expansion of other oaks such as red oak and chestnut oak. More recently, however, recruitment of all the dominant upland oaks waned on all but the most xeric sites. Mixed-mesophytic and later successional hardwood species, such as red maple, sugar maple, black birch, beech, black gum and black cherry, are aggressively replacing oak. The leaf litter of these replacement species is less flammable and more rapidly mineralized than that of the upland oaks, reinforcing the lack of fire. The trend toward increases in nonoak tree species will continue in fire-suppressed forests, rendering them less combustible for forest managers who wish to restore natural fires regimes. This situation greatly differs from the western United States, where fire suppression during the 20th century has made a variety of conifer-dominated forests more prone to stand-replacing fire.North. J. Appl. For. 22(3):190 –196.

scholarly journals Planting Oaks in Group Selection Openings on Upland Sites: Two Case Studies from Arkansas

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman ◽  
Adrian Grell
Keyword(s):  
Group Selection ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Ozark Mountains ◽  
White Oak ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract Two upland sites in Arkansas were studied to test the performance of 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings planted in group selection openings. Both red and white oak seedlings were planted at one location in the Ozark Mountains,and only red oak seedlings were planted at a second site along Crowleys Ridge. Holes were dug with power augers and seedlings were planted by hand. At the time of planting, the mean height of red oak and white oak seedlings at the Ozark site were 3.4 and 1.9 ft, respectively. Red oak seedlingsat Crowleys Ridge averaged 3.0 ft tall when planted. After 4 years at the Ozark site, 77% of red oak and 86% of white oak were alive. After 3 years at Crowleys Ridge, red oak survival was 80%. Seedlings at both sites grew slowly. Mean 4-year height increment at the Ozarksite was 2.1 ft for red oak and 2.5 ft for white oak, and mean 3-year height increment for red oak at Crowleys Ridge was 1.6 ft. Three years after planting in the Ozark Mountains and 2 years after planting at Crowleys Ridge, naturally regenerating competition had suppressed over one-thirdof the red oak and about one-half of the white oak. This necessitated a release treatment around planted seedlings at both sites. Oaks that decreased in total height over a given growing season were common. Most seedlings that decreased in height had been pulled over or crushed by other vegetationor exhibited top dieback. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.

scholarly journals Nut Selection by Captive Blue Jays: Importance of Availability and Implications for Seed Dispersal

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Moore ◽  
Robert K. Swihart
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Discrete Choice Models ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Large White ◽  
Shagbark Hickory ◽  
Black Oak ◽  
Blue Jays

Abstract We assessed dietary preference of 14 captive Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) for different food types under different conditions of availability. In four separate feeding trials, we provisioned jays with the following: Trial 1, two nuts each of white oak (Quercus alba), pin oak (Q. palustris), black oak (Q. velutina), northern red oak (Q. rubra), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata); Trial 2, two small and two large red oak acorns; Trial 3, two germinating and two nongerminating white oak acorns; and Trial 4, one large red oak acorn, one large white oak acorn, and one shagbark hickory nut. We used discrete choice models to describe selection under conditions of changing choice sets. Blue Jays displayed a clear preference for pin oak and strong avoidance of red oak acorns when alternative foods were available. White oak and black oak acorns were selected intermediately. Shagbark hickory nuts were never used. Correlation coefficients suggested that preference was inversely related to seed size and the proportion of seed consisting of hard seed coat. In the absence of alternative food items, small red oak acorns were readily taken, whereas large red oak acorns were mostly avoided but still used by some birds. These results highlight the importance of considering food availability when making conclusions about preference, and lend support to the hypothesis that Blue Jays can be important dispersers of even less-preferred oak species. We discuss the potential as well as the limitations for Blue Jays to act as seed dispersers, with respect to postglacial range expansion of fagaceous tree species, and in the context of present-day dispersal in regions where forests are highly fragmented.

FOLIAGE CONSUMPTION BY THE VARIABLE OAK LEAF CATERPILLAR, HETEROCAMPA MANTEO (LEPIDOPTERA: NOTODONTIDAE), ITS USE IN DEFOLIATION PREDICTIONS

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Surgeoner ◽  
W. E. Wallner
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractTotal foliage consumption per larva of Heterocampa manteo (Doubleday) was 334 ± 49.3 cm2 of leaf area. Approximately 85% of the consumption occurred during the fifth larval stadium. There was no significant difference in consumption by H. manteo when fed northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., or white oak, Quercus alba L. Foliage consumption at 27 °C, 24 °C, and 21 °C did not differ significantly; but larvae reared at 15.5 °C consumed 42.6% less foliage. Larvae parasitized by Diradops bethunei (Cresson) consumed 61.3% less foliage than non-parasitized larvae reared at the same temperature. Two methods of predicting defoliation are discussed based upon larval foliage consumption data.

Comparison of growth–climate relationships between northern red oak and white oak across eastern North America

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1936-1947 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. LeBlanc ◽  
Mark A. Terrell
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Wood Anatomy ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
White Oak

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth–climate associations for northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) across much of its geographic range in eastern North America and to compare these associations with those of white oak ( Quercus alba L.). Tree-ring and climate data were obtained for a total of 82 sites, including 51 sites where both oak species were sampled. Northern red oak radial growth was most strongly and spatially consistently correlated with site water balance variables for the early growing season (May through July). Correlations with prior year autumn and winter precipitation were also identified at a smaller number of sites. The phenology of growth–climate correlations was virtually identical between northern red oak and white oak, although there was modest evidence that correlations were stronger for white oak. These results support the hypothesis that species with similar wood anatomy, geographic distribution, and habitat preferences may have similar growth–climate relationships. This suggests that functional groups of tree species may be defined a priori based on existing knowledge of their wood anatomy and ecology.

The association of two invasive shrubs, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), with oak communities in the midwestern United States

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1981-1992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Schulte ◽  
Erik C. Mottl ◽  
Brian J. Palik
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Oak Forests ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Rhamnus Cathartica ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Midwestern United States ◽  
Quercus Macrocarpa ◽  
Bur Oak

Oak forests throughout North America are declining due to changes in disturbance regimes that have led to increased competition from other tree and shrub species. We evaluated associations between oak regeneration, the occurrence of two common invasive shrubs (common buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica L.) and Tartarian honeysuckle ( Lonicera tatarica L.)), and forest edges in oak forests in a portion of the midwestern United States where bur ( Quercus macrocarpa Michx.), red ( Quercus rubra L.), and white oak ( Quercus alba L.) were historically dominant. We found poor recruitment of oaks in comparison to other, more shade-tolerant tree species. Results further revealed a strong stand-scale association between bur oak, open canopy conditions, high soil nutrient levels, and the presence of common buckthorn and Tartarian honeysuckle; these same site characteristics were disassociated with red and white oak. Within red and white oak stands, however, the presence of the invasive shrubs was more pronounced near forest edges. While oak recruitment is hampered throughout stands, our research suggests that predominant constraints may vary based on soil and light gradients found along forest edges.

scholarly journals White Oak and Northern Red Oak Leaf Injury from Exposure to Chloroacetanilide Herbicides

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 696-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh B. Samtani ◽  
John B. Masiunas ◽  
James E. Appleby
Keyword(s):  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Leaf Injury ◽  
Leaf Unfolding ◽  
Red Oaks ◽  
Chloroacetanilide Herbicides ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Tree Injury

Previous research by the authors found simulated acetochlor (with atrazine) and s-metolachlor drift to white oak at the leaf unfolding stage caused loss of interveinal tissues (leaf tatters). Reports of leaf tatters in the landscape and nursery settings are more common on white oak (Quercus alba L.) than on northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Our objectives were to determine if white and northern red oak differed in susceptibility to chloroacetanilide herbicides, if injury varied between chloroacetanilide herbicides, and if adding atrazine increased leaf injury. Two-year-old seedlings at the leaf unfolding stage were treated with acetochlor, s-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P alone or combined with atrazine at 1%, 10%, and 25% of the standard field use rate. Within 6 days, all chloroacetanilides at 10% and 25% field use rates, alone or combined with atrazine, caused leaf tatter injury in both species. Acetochlor, s-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P caused a similar type of leaf injury. Atrazine did not cause loss of leaf tissues or increase injury from chloroacetanilides. At 1% field use rate, only acetochlor, acetochlor + atrazine, and dimethenamid-P caused leaf injury to northern red oaks. The white oaks were not injured by all of the chloroacetanilide treatments at 1% field use rate. The northern red oaks were slightly more susceptible to chloroacetanilides compared with the white oaks. A second study found acetochlor only injured northern red oak when applied at the leaf unfolding stage and only at 25% of field use rate. Acetochlor at 1% field use rate did not injure red oak. Research is needed to explain the greater frequency of leaf tatters on white oaks than on northern red oaks in the landscape and to develop strategies to avoid tree injury.

Do chestnut, northern red, and white oak germinant seedlings respond similarly to light treatments? II. Gas exchange and chlorophyll responses

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Rebbeck ◽  
Amy Scherzer ◽  
Kurt Gottschalk
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Chlorophyll Content ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Shelterwood Cut ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Understanding differences in physiological and growth strategies in low-light environments among upland oak species may help managers address the challenges of oaks’ poor regeneration. Gas exchange and chlorophyll content were measured for northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.), chestnut oak ( Quercus prinus L.), and white oak ( Quercus alba L.) germinants grown at 25%, 18%, and 6% of full sun in one of two native forest soil mixes for two summers. Northern red and chestnut oak photosynthesis at saturating light (Amax, mass) increased by 23%–36% as light levels increased from 6% to 25% of full sun, while white oak Amax, mass declined by 20% and plateaued at 18% of full sun. White oak light compensation point is representative of deep shade (7.2 µmol·m–2·s–1), while northern red and chestnut oak averaged 17.8 µmol·m–2·s–1. Total chlorophyll content increased as light levels decreased for all species. Of the three species, the slow-growing white oak seedlings appeared to be more efficient in utilizing light than northern red or chestnut oak seedlings. This suggests no additional benefits to increasing light above that typically found in a light shelterwood cut; however, it is crucial to control faster-growing competing vegetation.

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