Introduction of black walnut and northern red oak seedlings in an upland hardwood forest in southeastern Ohio /

Abstract

Red oak and black walnut seedlings (256,1+0,ht. 1.2 ft) were planted in spring 1964 on a site clear felled in 1963-4. Each seedling was treated by cutting brush up to a 3 ft radius and (a) mulching, (b) cultivating the soil and spraying herbicide, or (c) spraying stubs with herbicide. Following drought in 1964 and a cicada attack in 1965, many leaders were damaged or died back and produced new shoots. Some of the shorter seedlings (45 damaged and 10 non-damaged oak, 24 non-damaged walnut) were coppiced in 1966. Data are presented for mortality, ht. and d.b.h. in 1976. Site quality was a major factor affecting establishment of black walnut but not of oak. Suppression by naturally regenerated broadleaved species (yellow poplar, aspen [Populus spp.], cherry [Prunus spp.]) was the commonest cause of mortality; 22% of live trees in 1976 originated from new shoots after dieback. Coppiced trees remained the shortest. Cultural treatments had little effect on oak but improved ht. growth of walnut, for which more extensive treatments are recommended.