Effects of Fire on Natural Regeneration in the Appalachian Mountains
David H. Van Lear, Professor of Forestry; Thomas A. Waldrop, Research Forester. 1988. Effects of Fire on Natural Regeneration in the Appalachian Mountains. In Smith H, Perkey A, Kidd W (ed). Proceedings of the guidelines for regenerating Appalachian hardwood stands. Society of American Foresters. Bethesda, MD
Research indicates that prescribed fire may have more potential in regnerating Appalachian hardwoods than demonstrated by current use. Studies show that repeated low-intensity fires increase oak advance regeneration, suggesting that a series of burns prior to harvest could result in a predominantly oak stand. Single pre- or post- harvest burns have little affectn species compition of the advance regneration. Following harvest, winter burns on cove sites have stimulated the establishment of yellow-poplar from stored in the duff. Summer broadcast burns, used in conjunction with the proper time to fell residuals and planting, are currently used successfully to regernate mixed pine-hardwood stands. Recent studies indicate that prescribed fire can be used in the steep terrain of the Appalachians with minimal adverse environmental effects if properly conducted. More research is needed to completely document the role that fire might play in regenerating Appalachian hardwoods and the effects that increased used of fire may have on the environment.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- David H. Van Lear, Professor of Forestry; Thomas A. Waldrop, Research Forester
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Appalachian Mountains; broadcast burning; burning intervals; Carya; duff; fire effects; fire intensity; fire management; forest management; hardwoods; Liriodendron tulipifera; mountainous terrain; mountains; North America; pine hardwood forests; prescribe