Oak regeneration ecology and dynamics.

Published online
04 Feb 2015
Content type
Bulletin article; Conference paper
URL
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs199/gtr_srs199.pdf

Author(s)
Dey, D. C.

Publication language
English

Abstract

The regeneration potential of oak following a disturbance or harvest that initiates stand regeneration is determined largely by the size structure of oak before the event. Collectively, regeneration from (1) seed, (2) advance reproduction, and (3) stump sprouts contribute to oak regeneration but vary in their competitive capacity. Oak regeneration potential is modified by site, competitor regeneration potential and management input. Prescribed fire is increasingly being used to promote oak regeneration with mixed results. Oak has many silvical traits that make it well adapted to fire. Fire can promote oak regeneration, but it also can reduce it, promote competing vegetation including invasive species, and retard oak recruitment into the overstory. Fire is a tool that can be used to sustain oak forests if it is applied judiciously with knowledge of oak forest ecology and stand dynamics, and with basic forest inventory information. Combining prescribed fire with thinning or harvesting can be effective in increasing oak regeneration potential and dominance in future stands.

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