Effects of Wild Pigs on Beech Growth in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Abstract
Growth of trees in 9 high-elevation American beech (Fagus grandifolia) gaps in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) was examined from June to August 1982, for impact from rooting by wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Beech trees exhibited significantly greater shoot elongation (F2.6 = 7.71, P < 0.05) with increased exposure to rooting by wild pigs; however, testes for changes in radial increment (F2.5 = 5.42, P < 0.10) were not as significant due to confounding effects from elevation and stage age. Annular-ring widths of trees from young stands demonstrated greater variation in growth for years with pigs present compared to years before pigs inhabited the sites. Comparable changes were not observed for older stands. The growth responses of trees observed probably resulted from an enhanced nutrient mobilization in soils disturbed by pigs.