Effects of Age, Stand Density, and Fertilizer Application on Bear Oak Reproduction

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Abstract
Bear oak (Quercus ilicifolia) is widely distributed in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states [USA]. It grows on poor sites where its acorns are important in the diets of many wildlife species. Mature acorns were first produced by bear oak sprouts 3 growing seasons old. Stand density, at the levels measured in this study, had relatively little effect on the acorn production. Fertilizer application and age interacted significantly (P < 0.05) in their influence on acorn yields. Addition of 896 kg/ha of 5-10-5 applied in late March resulted in increased production of pistillate flowers, immature acorns, and mature acorns in 9-yr-old and 13-yr-old trees, but had relatively little influence on 5-yr-old trees.

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