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Developing a system for artificial regeneration of fine hardwood species and management to maturity on the Ames Plantation

Informally Refereed

Abstract

An integrated agenda for hardwood research has been developed at the Ames Plantation over the last 3 decades that will produce locally adapted, genetically improved seedlings for incorporation into an experimental silvicultural system that yields commercially viable trees. Components include: establishment of hardwood seedling seed orchards with 22 species, the use of seedlings from these orchards for stand enrichment and reforestation in natural stands leading to precision forestry experiments, and crop tree enhancement treatments at mid-rotation to increase growth of successful trees. This long-term agenda will allow for better control of species composition in complex hardwood systems by using robust seedlings established in naturally regenerating stands. The Ames Hardwood Laboratory currently has over 25,000 trees and 40.5 ha of fenced orchards included in the three phases of the project: Hardwood Seed Orchards, Artificial Regeneration Enrichment, and Crop Tree Management.

Parent Publication

Citation

Houston, Allan E.; Schlarbaum, Scott E.; Saxton, Arnold M.; Shimer, Alison I.; Hogan, Jason L.; Sharp, Ami M.; Hodges, Donald G. 2019. Developing a system for artificial regeneration of fine hardwood species and management to maturity on the Ames Plantation. In: Clark, Stacy L.; Schweitzer, Callie J., eds. Oak symposium: sustaining oak forests in the 21st century through science-based management. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-237. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 101-108.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/61025