Site Index Curves for Eastern Cottonwood Plantations in the Lower Mississippi Delta

A site index equation was developed based on stem-analysis data collected from 30 sites of an eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantation in the lower Mississippi Delta. The Bailey and Clutter (1974) equation form was selected for stand height prediction. Polymorphic site index curves (base age 10 years) were presented based on this equation. These curves should be applicable to cottonwood plantations up to 11 years old in and near the Mississippi River Delta. South. J. Appl. For. 15(1):28-30.

Growth Through 13 Years of Two Pruned Cottonwood Plantations Spaced for Sawtimber Production

Cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides Bart R. ex Marsh.) pruned in either spring or summer in the third or fourth year to a 1-log height did not differ in growth from unpruned trees during the fifth through thirteenth year interval. At age 13, 84% of the pruned trees had no limbs to a 17-ft. height compared to only 29% of the unpruned trees. Largest trees, pruned and unpruned, averaged 103 ft. tall with a 54% live crown ratio.

Wildlife in Cottonwood Plantations

Wildlife populations, movements, and habitat were studied in cottonwood plantations of the lower Mississippi River batture. Summer growth produced understory vegetation biomass exceeding 1,200 kg/ha. The plantations provided excellent habitat for white-tailed deer and rabbits throughout the year. Their greatest value for wild turkey and quail was as nesting and brood habitat in the spring. The plantations provided additional niches for nongame birds and mammals, increasing the local species diversity. Relative size, shape, and management regime largely determine the effect of cottonwood plantations as habitat in the total forest community.