Uneven-aged management in the Missouri Ozarks: effects of site conditions, stand density, and prior populations on oak regeneration

Abstract

While studies have shown the importance of site characteristics and overstory density on the success of white oak regeneration under uneven-aged management, few studies have analyzed the effects of these variables over time in the Missouri Ozarks. Here, we quantify the effects of site variables, stand density, and prior populations of reproduction on temporal patterns of white oak reproduction establishment and recruitment following decades of uneven-aged management. The results of this study indicate that while site characteristics, stand density, and prior populations are all important for white oak regeneration, this is not the case for every site characteristic or stage of regeneration. While xeric conditions often improve white oak regeneration, some xeric site characteristics, such as low available water capacity, reduce white oak regeneration. This study found that stand density reduction is also important for increasing future white oak recruitment; however, it was not important for increasing white oak seedling establishment. Further, under uneven-aged management stand density was not closely related to understory sunlight levels. Finally, prior populations of regeneration are vital to future recruitment, and it is necessary to have prior populations established many years in advance of desired recruitment.