Growth and volume of Emory oak coppice 10 years after thinning: A case study in Southeastern Arizona

Abstract

Effects of stump diameter and thinning treatments at different ages of Emory oak (Quercus emoryi) coppice (stump-sprouts) are described in terms of growth and volume of the stump-sprouts 10 yr after the thinning treatments were applied. Growth and volume of the residual stump sprouts depend largely on the number of sprouts left after thinning; the effects of stump diameter were inconsistent. Harvesting cycles for fuelwood and other wood products obtained from stump-sprouts can be shortened through coppice thinning. Structural diversity following earlier harvesting and future wood production in oak woodlands dominated by Emory oak are "optimized" by retaining three stump-sprouts after thinning.