Thomas A. Nelson

We conducted a 10-year study in oak-hickory stands in the Arkansas Ozarks to investigate the effects of intermediate thinning and nitrogen (N) fertilization on the annual production of understory vegetation. A total of 101 experimental plots was thinned to residual overstory densities of 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of full stocking. Nitrogen fertilizer (336 kg N/ha) was applied to a subset of plots in each thinning treatment. Understory species composition and biomass were estimated 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years after treatment. Thinning and fertilizing increased (P < 0.01) the total biomass of...

A 3-year study was conducted to evaluate the availability and use of cavity trees and snags in hardwood stands regenerated using the group selection method. A survey of cavity trees and snags was completed before and after group selection harvest in 16 2.9-ha plots in the Ozark National Forest, Arkansas. Cavity trees and snags were identified to species, and the height, dbh, state of decay, and number of visible cavities recorded. We marked and measured 66 cavity trees and 126 snags with cavities, and observed the use of these cavities by wildlife. Use of cavity trees was observed...