28-Year-Old Reproduction on Five Cutting Practices in Upland Oak1

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Abstract
Knowledge of composition and development of stands following harvesting is prerequisite to forest management decisions. Conventional harvesting in mature upland oaks stands resulted in stands substantially different than the original. Twenty-eight-year-old reproduction following complete clearcutting, commercial clearcutting, diameter-limit cutting, selection cutting, and selection cutting with timber stand improvement indicated that the higher the residual overstory density the lower the frequency, diameter, and basal area of reproduction. Generally the proportion of oak and hickory in reproduction was significantly lower than in the original stand, though enough oak was present to potentially comprise a substantial portion of the final stand. Increased amounts of red maple, particularly on north-facing slopes, were primarily responsible for this change in composition. Reproduction stem quality did not differ between treatments. This information provides a more accurate basis for predicting future stand character and potential products, and for developing alternative management strategies. North J. Appl. For. 2:17-22, Mar. 1985.

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