SOUTHERN HARDWOOD POSTER SUBMISSIONS 2018
Name
Richard Sample
sample@uamont.edu
Co-Authors
Benjamin A Babst
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Nitrogen Resorption Timeline in Relation to Protein and Chlorophyll Degradation in Southern Oaks
Quercus species (oaks) are a prominent component of southern forests in the United States. The ability for these deciduous trees to store and remobilize nutrients, such as nitrogen, during dormancy is an important adaptation to competition for a limited resource, however the process of nutrient resorption in oaks is not well studied. The majority of nitrogen is found in leaves in the form of protein and chlorophyll, which are degraded during senescence to produce mobile forms of nitrogen that can be transported to the stem for storage. We hypothesized that the timing of decreased leaf nitrogen would be strongly associated with the degradation of leaf protein and/or chlorophyll. Nitrogen and protein content were measured in leaf samples of three oak species (Q. Nuttalli, Q. Phellos, and Q. Nigra), during six two week intervals between September and December 2016 on the University of Arkansas Monticello campus. Chlorophyll content was measured at the time of harvest using a hand-held device. Protein degradation started in mid-September, while chlorophyll degradation and nitrogen resorption happened concurrently in late November. These results provide some insight to the nitrogen resorption process, and lay the ground work for studying how environmental stresses, such as flooding, may affect the process of nitrogen resorption in southern oaks.
| 807535116422653762_shrg_2-19-18.pptx |
Name
Amanda Foust
Email
Foustam@uamont.edu
Co-Authors
William Headlee, Matthew Olson, and Shaik Hossain
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Hardwood Species and Spacing Effects on Cellulose Production
Cellulose has become an increasingly popular material in the biomedical and engineering fields due to its strong and flexible nature, especially for emerging nano-materials (e.g. filters with very small but precise pore sizes). With the abundant timberland in the United States, trees would be a reliable feedstock for nano-cellulose products. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate species differences and spacing effects on wood properties relevant for cellulose production. Cores were collected from 5 hardwood species at 2 spacings and analyzed for specific gravity, cellulose, and lignin & ash content. Cow oak had the highest specific gravity of the five species. Cherrybark oak and sweetgum had significantly higher cellulose content than Nuttall oak, while water oak had significantly higher lignin content than all other species. Overall these results indicate cow oak, cherrybark oak, and sweetgum are favorable species for nano-cellulose production. Spacing had no significant effect on specific gravity, cellulose, or lignin content. Future research should evaluate if these trends are consistent across multiple planting conditions, geographic regions, and climatic condition.
Amanda Foust
Foustam@uamont.edu
Co-Authors
William Headlee, Matthew Olson, and Shaik Hossain
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Hardwood Species and Spacing Effects on Cellulose Production
Cellulose has become an increasingly popular material in the biomedical and engineering fields due to its strong and flexible nature, especially for emerging nano-materials (e.g. filters with very small but precise pore sizes). With the abundant timberland in the United States, trees would be a reliable feedstock for nano-cellulose products. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate species differences and spacing effects on wood properties relevant for cellulose production. Cores were collected from 5 hardwood species at 2 spacings and analyzed for specific gravity, cellulose, and lignin & ash content. Cow oak had the highest specific gravity of the five species. Cherrybark oak and sweetgum had significantly higher cellulose content than Nuttall oak, while water oak had significantly higher lignin content than all other species. Overall these results indicate cow oak, cherrybark oak, and sweetgum are favorable species for nano-cellulose production. Spacing had no significant effect on specific gravity, cellulose, or lignin content. Future research should evaluate if these trends are consistent across multiple planting conditions, geographic regions, and climatic condition.
| focust_conference_poster.pdf |
Name
Austin Gentry
Email
asg218@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Andy Ezell, Brady Self, Heidi Renninger
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: Use of Aminocyclopyrachlor to Control Midstory and Understory Stems in a Hardwood Stand
Method® herbicide was evaluated for use as an injection material in hardwoods. In addition to control efficacy, non-target impact on red oak species was evaluated. All treatments containing Method® provided very good control and this herbicide shows promise for use in hardwood management.
Austin Gentry
asg218@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Andy Ezell, Brady Self, Heidi Renninger
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: Use of Aminocyclopyrachlor to Control Midstory and Understory Stems in a Hardwood Stand
Method® herbicide was evaluated for use as an injection material in hardwoods. In addition to control efficacy, non-target impact on red oak species was evaluated. All treatments containing Method® provided very good control and this herbicide shows promise for use in hardwood management.
| 339684495283144961_steminjection_stoneville.pptx |
Name
Emily Babl
Email
ekb214@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather Alexander, Courtney Siegert, John Willis, and Andrew Berry
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Do mesophyte canopy and leaf litter traits drive future flammability of upland oak forests?
Species composition of upland oak forests in the eastern United States is shifting dominance towards shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e. mesophytes). This shift is hypothesized to be driven by fire suppression and lead to mesophication, a positive feedback loop where mesophytes create a cool, moist understory, reducing forest flammability and promoting their own proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we sampled canopy and leaf litter traits and measured the understory environment of four hypothesized mesophytes (Acer rubrum, A. saccharum, Carya glabra, and Fagus grandifolia) and three upland oak species (Quercus alba, Q. montana, and Q. velutina) across a gradient of sizes (20-60 cm DBH) in western Kentucky. Canopy area and leaf area were greater in mesophytes compared to oaks. Light and air temperatures under American beech and sugar maple were significantly lower when compared to chestnut oak. Red maple litter decomposed the fastest and had 18% less mass remainin g after 12 months than chestnut oak and black oak. In general, mesophyte litter curled less, was thinner, had reduced leaf area, and decreased volume when compared to oaks. The fuel mass under mesophytes and oaks was similar, but there was 18% less oak litter under a mesophyte canopy. Differences in canopy architecture, litter quality, and decomposition rates may reduce future forest flammability by creating more shaded, cool, and less pyrophytic fuel beds, which could dampen surface fires. It is essential to understand the future flammability of upland oak forests and determine the feasibility of using prescribed fire as a conservation tool.
Emily Babl
ekb214@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather Alexander, Courtney Siegert, John Willis, and Andrew Berry
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Do mesophyte canopy and leaf litter traits drive future flammability of upland oak forests?
Species composition of upland oak forests in the eastern United States is shifting dominance towards shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e. mesophytes). This shift is hypothesized to be driven by fire suppression and lead to mesophication, a positive feedback loop where mesophytes create a cool, moist understory, reducing forest flammability and promoting their own proliferation. To test this hypothesis, we sampled canopy and leaf litter traits and measured the understory environment of four hypothesized mesophytes (Acer rubrum, A. saccharum, Carya glabra, and Fagus grandifolia) and three upland oak species (Quercus alba, Q. montana, and Q. velutina) across a gradient of sizes (20-60 cm DBH) in western Kentucky. Canopy area and leaf area were greater in mesophytes compared to oaks. Light and air temperatures under American beech and sugar maple were significantly lower when compared to chestnut oak. Red maple litter decomposed the fastest and had 18% less mass remainin g after 12 months than chestnut oak and black oak. In general, mesophyte litter curled less, was thinner, had reduced leaf area, and decreased volume when compared to oaks. The fuel mass under mesophytes and oaks was similar, but there was 18% less oak litter under a mesophyte canopy. Differences in canopy architecture, litter quality, and decomposition rates may reduce future forest flammability by creating more shaded, cool, and less pyrophytic fuel beds, which could dampen surface fires. It is essential to understand the future flammability of upland oak forests and determine the feasibility of using prescribed fire as a conservation tool.
| hardwoods_poster_babl.pdf |
Name
Brian Izbicki
Email
bji22@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather Alexander, Brent Frey, Ryan McEwan, and Andrew Berry
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
In the Central Harwood Region of the eastern U.S., anthropogenic fire exclusion has contributed to upland oak (Quercus spp.) regeneration failure and a compositional shift towards shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e., mesophytes). Because oaks are fire-adapted and relatively shade-intolerant, prescribed fire is used to decrease mesophyte competition and increase understory light. However, prescribed fire alone often fails to ope n the canopy sufficiently to improve oak competitive status, suggesting multiple fires and/or canopy manipulations are necessary for oak success. To examine potentially interacting roles of multiple prescribed fires and canopy gaps, we measured upland oak and mesophyte density within two size classes, seedlings
Brian Izbicki
bji22@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather Alexander, Brent Frey, Ryan McEwan, and Andrew Berry
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
In the Central Harwood Region of the eastern U.S., anthropogenic fire exclusion has contributed to upland oak (Quercus spp.) regeneration failure and a compositional shift towards shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e., mesophytes). Because oaks are fire-adapted and relatively shade-intolerant, prescribed fire is used to decrease mesophyte competition and increase understory light. However, prescribed fire alone often fails to ope n the canopy sufficiently to improve oak competitive status, suggesting multiple fires and/or canopy manipulations are necessary for oak success. To examine potentially interacting roles of multiple prescribed fires and canopy gaps, we measured upland oak and mesophyte density within two size classes, seedlings
| izbicki_southern_harwoods_2_23_18.pdf |
Name
Richard Vaerewyck
Email
vaerewyck@uamont.edu
Co-Authors
William Headlee
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Mast Production and Acorn Viability in Bottomland Forests Occupied by Feral Hogs
The relationships between feral hogs, hard mast production, and bottomland regeneration are not clearly understood. To assess the availability of forage for feral hogs, visual mast surveys were done on 300 hickories, white and red oaks. Acorn viability was also examined through the use of 80 acorn traps and 2 collection periods. In general, one site (Felsenthal NWR) had lower hard mast production and lower acorn viability than the others. In addition, hickory had lower hard mast production than the other taxa, and acorn viability was lower for the early collection period. This information is being used in an ongoing study on interactions of feral hog visitation rates, acorn production, and change in willow oak regneration.
Richard Vaerewyck
vaerewyck@uamont.edu
Co-Authors
William Headlee
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Mast Production and Acorn Viability in Bottomland Forests Occupied by Feral Hogs
The relationships between feral hogs, hard mast production, and bottomland regeneration are not clearly understood. To assess the availability of forage for feral hogs, visual mast surveys were done on 300 hickories, white and red oaks. Acorn viability was also examined through the use of 80 acorn traps and 2 collection periods. In general, one site (Felsenthal NWR) had lower hard mast production and lower acorn viability than the others. In addition, hickory had lower hard mast production than the other taxa, and acorn viability was lower for the early collection period. This information is being used in an ongoing study on interactions of feral hog visitation rates, acorn production, and change in willow oak regneration.
| vaerewyck_southernhardwoodsmeeting_2018.pdf |
Name
Robert Hane
Email
rmh032@latech.edu
Co-Authors
Joshua Adams and Michael Blazier
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Hybrid Sweetgum Growth compared to Native Sweetgum Varieties
ABSTRACT:
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is known to be a fast growing species that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions within the bottomland hardwood ecosystem.1,2 An increased demand for hardwood biomass has put more pressure on bottomland hardwood sites to provide the necessary raw materials. Bottomland hardwood forests are very productive, but are often associated with soils that are frequently flooded, or inundated with water, preventing large harvesting equipment from accessing the sites until the soil dries.3,4 The need for hardwood species that can produce the volume and quality of wood desired on sites that are harvestable year-round has become more pronounced. One new option is to plant hybrid Sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana x styraciflua) on sites where the soil is not likely to impede industrial harvesting equipment. This project was created to quantify the growth and survival differences between four hybrid Sweetgum clones and two native Sweetgum half-sib vari eties at two sites in North Louisiana. In the first two years, hybrid varieties grew an average of 35% taller and 19% larger at the ground line than the native varieties tested. At least 91% of each hybrid clonal variety survived the first two growing seasons, and only one native variety had a significantly lower survival rate from the hybrids.
Robert Hane
rmh032@latech.edu
Co-Authors
Joshua Adams and Michael Blazier
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Hybrid Sweetgum Growth compared to Native Sweetgum Varieties
ABSTRACT:
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is known to be a fast growing species that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions within the bottomland hardwood ecosystem.1,2 An increased demand for hardwood biomass has put more pressure on bottomland hardwood sites to provide the necessary raw materials. Bottomland hardwood forests are very productive, but are often associated with soils that are frequently flooded, or inundated with water, preventing large harvesting equipment from accessing the sites until the soil dries.3,4 The need for hardwood species that can produce the volume and quality of wood desired on sites that are harvestable year-round has become more pronounced. One new option is to plant hybrid Sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana x styraciflua) on sites where the soil is not likely to impede industrial harvesting equipment. This project was created to quantify the growth and survival differences between four hybrid Sweetgum clones and two native Sweetgum half-sib vari eties at two sites in North Louisiana. In the first two years, hybrid varieties grew an average of 35% taller and 19% larger at the ground line than the native varieties tested. At least 91% of each hybrid clonal variety survived the first two growing seasons, and only one native variety had a significantly lower survival rate from the hybrids.
| msu_poster_genotype_study.pdf |
Name
Arnold Spiers
Email
aspiers1@okramail.deltastate.edu
Co-Authors
Michael Neal, Tanya McKinney, Ellen Green and Nathan Schiff
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Isolation and Identification of Antibiotic Producing Microbes from Mallodon dasystomus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Abstract:
Insects comprise the most heterogeneous group of animals on Earth. Herbivorous species consume plant material covered with diverse microbial populations. Yet, many of these insects are resistant to most microbial infections. Recent studies indicate that the gastrointestinal microflora of the insect may protect its host via the production of antimicrobial compounds. For example, microbes from the gastrointestinal tract of Spodoptera littoralis, the cotton leafworm, have been shown to produce compounds that inhibit or kill other bacterial species.
The current study assesses the antibiotic producing capacity of the intestinal microflora of the hardwood boring beetle Mallodon dasystomus (the hardwood stump borer). Larval digestive tracts were dissected into phosphate buffered saline, macerated, and serially diluted. Samples were plated on 1/10X tryptic soy agar. Antibiotic producers were identified using the “crowded plate” method. To date, 15 beetle larvae samples have been subjected to analysis.
Arnold Spiers
aspiers1@okramail.deltastate.edu
Co-Authors
Michael Neal, Tanya McKinney, Ellen Green and Nathan Schiff
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Isolation and Identification of Antibiotic Producing Microbes from Mallodon dasystomus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Abstract:
Insects comprise the most heterogeneous group of animals on Earth. Herbivorous species consume plant material covered with diverse microbial populations. Yet, many of these insects are resistant to most microbial infections. Recent studies indicate that the gastrointestinal microflora of the insect may protect its host via the production of antimicrobial compounds. For example, microbes from the gastrointestinal tract of Spodoptera littoralis, the cotton leafworm, have been shown to produce compounds that inhibit or kill other bacterial species.
The current study assesses the antibiotic producing capacity of the intestinal microflora of the hardwood boring beetle Mallodon dasystomus (the hardwood stump borer). Larval digestive tracts were dissected into phosphate buffered saline, macerated, and serially diluted. Samples were plated on 1/10X tryptic soy agar. Antibiotic producers were identified using the “crowded plate” method. To date, 15 beetle larvae samples have been subjected to analysis.
| 776751323170427410_spiers_neal_poster_23_feb_2018.pptx |
Name
Jennifer McDaniel
Email
jkm339@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather D. Alexander, Courtney M. Siegert, Marcus A. Lashley
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Mesophication of upland oak forests: Impacts on flammability through changes in leaf litter and fuel bed traits
In upland oak forests of the eastern United States, anthropogenic fire exclusion is thought to be a major cause of increased dominance of fire-sensitive species and simultaneous oak regeneration failure. Forests will likely become less flammable as fire-sensitive species (i.e. mesophytes) become more common, which may create cooler, moister understories through a hypothesized feedback loop known as mesophication. In this study, we examine how gradually shifting forest composition from oak to mesophyte dominance affects forest flammability. To determine the role of increasing contributions of mesophyte leaf litter to forest flammability, we measured leaf litter and fuelbed traits, installed a decomposition study, and will measure flammability metrics during plot-level experimental burns using leaf litter from post oak (Quercus stellata) and southern red oak (Q. falcata) and three hypothesized mesophytes, hickory (Carya spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and winged elm (Ulmus alata). Preliminary results show oaks had 52% thicker leaves and exhibited a 66% lower surface area to volume ratio than mesophytes. Southern red oak and sweetgum leaves were curlier than leaves of other species. Future work will determine if differences in leaf characteristics are linked to differences in burning time, temperature, flame height, and rate of spread and indicate lower flammability as the contribution of mesophyte litter to the fuel bed is increased. Determining the impacts of mesophyte dominance on fuel bed flammability will allow us to better understand future impacts of mesophication and inform options for managing upland oak forests through the use of prescribed fire.
Jennifer McDaniel
jkm339@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Heather D. Alexander, Courtney M. Siegert, Marcus A. Lashley
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Mesophication of upland oak forests: Impacts on flammability through changes in leaf litter and fuel bed traits
In upland oak forests of the eastern United States, anthropogenic fire exclusion is thought to be a major cause of increased dominance of fire-sensitive species and simultaneous oak regeneration failure. Forests will likely become less flammable as fire-sensitive species (i.e. mesophytes) become more common, which may create cooler, moister understories through a hypothesized feedback loop known as mesophication. In this study, we examine how gradually shifting forest composition from oak to mesophyte dominance affects forest flammability. To determine the role of increasing contributions of mesophyte leaf litter to forest flammability, we measured leaf litter and fuelbed traits, installed a decomposition study, and will measure flammability metrics during plot-level experimental burns using leaf litter from post oak (Quercus stellata) and southern red oak (Q. falcata) and three hypothesized mesophytes, hickory (Carya spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and winged elm (Ulmus alata). Preliminary results show oaks had 52% thicker leaves and exhibited a 66% lower surface area to volume ratio than mesophytes. Southern red oak and sweetgum leaves were curlier than leaves of other species. Future work will determine if differences in leaf characteristics are linked to differences in burning time, temperature, flame height, and rate of spread and indicate lower flammability as the contribution of mesophyte litter to the fuel bed is increased. Determining the impacts of mesophyte dominance on fuel bed flammability will allow us to better understand future impacts of mesophication and inform options for managing upland oak forests through the use of prescribed fire.
| mcdaniel_j_shardwoods_2.23.18..pdf |
Name
Zeima Kassahun
Email
zk127@mystate.edu
Co-Authors
Heidi Renninger
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Environmental factors that influence physiological functioning of eight bottomland hardwood species
With increases in temperature and prolonged drought events, southern hardwood forests are expected to experience a shift in forest productivity and competition. As environmental conditions shift, certain tree species may experience an increase in productivity or could be negatively affected, leading to a shift in species composition, water use, and carbon uptake. The goal of this research is to use sap flow measurements, photosynthetic rates, and leaf characteristics to study species-specific responses to environmental drivers. Sap flow of eight hardwood species, as well as soil moisture (SM) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), were measured continuously over the course of 2 years, which included a severe drought. Results suggest that sap flow rates of cherrybark oak, willow oak, swamp chestnut oak, water oak, American elm, and winged elm respond differently to changes in VPD under low or ample SM conditions. Green ash and shagbark hickory did not differ in respons e to VPD, suggesting these species are more drought tolerant. Leaf gas-exchange data showed that green ash exhibited the lowest water-use efficiency. Regarding leaf phenology, willow oak, cherrybark oak were the first to experience leaf abscission during the 2016 drought. In 2017, all species, excluding willow oak, dropped ~80% of the canopy within a 2-week time span. Yearly water consumption per m2 canopy leaf area was significantly lower in 2016 than in 2017 for all study species. Taken together, these responses can be used to improve land surface models and identify species in this forest type that will be most successful under changing environmental conditions.
Zeima Kassahun
zk127@mystate.edu
Co-Authors
Heidi Renninger
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Environmental factors that influence physiological functioning of eight bottomland hardwood species
With increases in temperature and prolonged drought events, southern hardwood forests are expected to experience a shift in forest productivity and competition. As environmental conditions shift, certain tree species may experience an increase in productivity or could be negatively affected, leading to a shift in species composition, water use, and carbon uptake. The goal of this research is to use sap flow measurements, photosynthetic rates, and leaf characteristics to study species-specific responses to environmental drivers. Sap flow of eight hardwood species, as well as soil moisture (SM) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), were measured continuously over the course of 2 years, which included a severe drought. Results suggest that sap flow rates of cherrybark oak, willow oak, swamp chestnut oak, water oak, American elm, and winged elm respond differently to changes in VPD under low or ample SM conditions. Green ash and shagbark hickory did not differ in respons e to VPD, suggesting these species are more drought tolerant. Leaf gas-exchange data showed that green ash exhibited the lowest water-use efficiency. Regarding leaf phenology, willow oak, cherrybark oak were the first to experience leaf abscission during the 2016 drought. In 2017, all species, excluding willow oak, dropped ~80% of the canopy within a 2-week time span. Yearly water consumption per m2 canopy leaf area was significantly lower in 2016 than in 2017 for all study species. Taken together, these responses can be used to improve land surface models and identify species in this forest type that will be most successful under changing environmental conditions.
| 645225985973633533_kassahun_southernhardwoodposter2018.pptx |
Name
Natasha Drotar
Email
nad181@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Dr. Courtney Siegert, Dr. Heather Alexander, Dr. J. Morgan Varner
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Comparing the Effects of Fire on Water Use in Oak and Mesophytic Species
The distribution of rainwater by the forest canopy into stemflow, throughfall, and interception is determined by tree species characteristics (canopy storage capacity, bark roughness, bark water storage, and bark thickness) as well as canopy position (midstory vs. overstory). In upland oak ecosystems, which are undergoing a compositional shift from shade-intolerant, fire-tolerant oaks to shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e., mesophytes)1,2, canopy water partitioning between species may have broad implications for water availability and forest flammability. To assess interspecific differences, we measured canopy and bark characteristics on 5 different species of overstory and midstory trees (white oak, southern red oak, mockernut hickory, red maple, and winged elm). Mesophytic species hold more water than the oak species, which creates a moister environment3. At approximately monthly intervals beginning in November 2017, we measured throughfall and stemflow, to determ ine how canopy water inputs impacted moisture availability.
Mean monthly stemflow flux from overstory trees was 4.3 times larger in hickory and 4.0 times larger in red maple compared to white oak (p
Natasha Drotar
nad181@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Dr. Courtney Siegert, Dr. Heather Alexander, Dr. J. Morgan Varner
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Comparing the Effects of Fire on Water Use in Oak and Mesophytic Species
The distribution of rainwater by the forest canopy into stemflow, throughfall, and interception is determined by tree species characteristics (canopy storage capacity, bark roughness, bark water storage, and bark thickness) as well as canopy position (midstory vs. overstory). In upland oak ecosystems, which are undergoing a compositional shift from shade-intolerant, fire-tolerant oaks to shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive species (i.e., mesophytes)1,2, canopy water partitioning between species may have broad implications for water availability and forest flammability. To assess interspecific differences, we measured canopy and bark characteristics on 5 different species of overstory and midstory trees (white oak, southern red oak, mockernut hickory, red maple, and winged elm). Mesophytic species hold more water than the oak species, which creates a moister environment3. At approximately monthly intervals beginning in November 2017, we measured throughfall and stemflow, to determ ine how canopy water inputs impacted moisture availability.
Mean monthly stemflow flux from overstory trees was 4.3 times larger in hickory and 4.0 times larger in red maple compared to white oak (p
| drotar_n_southern_hardwood_forest.pdf |
Name
Colby Sharp
Email
colbysharp025@gmail.com
Co-Authors
Heidi L. Adams
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: Avian Use of a Bottomland Hardwood Afforestation Site in the Red River Alluvial Valley
Bottomland hardwood forests cover about 2.8 hectares of the original 10 million hectares that once existed in the southeastern United States. These losses have led to an emphasis on afforestation of retired agricultural land. It is important evaluate changes in wildlife communities as these afforested stands mature. For instance, topographic variation within them can lead to certain tree species becoming better established in certain areas compared to others, leading to an afforested stand with forest types of differing species. Previous research at an 809-ha afforested bottomland hardwood stand near Coushatta, Louisiana identified seven forest types. We conducted point count surveys at 28 point locations evenly distributed among the forest types at the afforested stand six times during the avian breeding (i.e., June-August, twice/month), recording detected species and its distance from point. We used DISTANCE 7.0 to estimate detection function and avian density within each f orest types. Avian diversity was calculated for each forest type using Shannon's Diversity Index. Preliminary results for bird density in each forest types ranged from 1.698 bird/ha in willow oak (Quercus phellos) to 26.181 birds/ha in sweet pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Shannon’s Diversity Indices for 2016 diversity analysis ranged from 2.354 (H max = 2.565) in sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) to 2.591 (H max = 2.833) in sweet pecan, with diversity analysis in 2017 showing changes with sweet pecan increasing by 0.149 and sugarberry persimmon at 2.399. Results of study will aid in developing forest management recommendations to promote breeding bird use of the afforested stand
Colby Sharp
colbysharp025@gmail.com
Co-Authors
Heidi L. Adams
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: Avian Use of a Bottomland Hardwood Afforestation Site in the Red River Alluvial Valley
Bottomland hardwood forests cover about 2.8 hectares of the original 10 million hectares that once existed in the southeastern United States. These losses have led to an emphasis on afforestation of retired agricultural land. It is important evaluate changes in wildlife communities as these afforested stands mature. For instance, topographic variation within them can lead to certain tree species becoming better established in certain areas compared to others, leading to an afforested stand with forest types of differing species. Previous research at an 809-ha afforested bottomland hardwood stand near Coushatta, Louisiana identified seven forest types. We conducted point count surveys at 28 point locations evenly distributed among the forest types at the afforested stand six times during the avian breeding (i.e., June-August, twice/month), recording detected species and its distance from point. We used DISTANCE 7.0 to estimate detection function and avian density within each f orest types. Avian diversity was calculated for each forest type using Shannon's Diversity Index. Preliminary results for bird density in each forest types ranged from 1.698 bird/ha in willow oak (Quercus phellos) to 26.181 birds/ha in sweet pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Shannon’s Diversity Indices for 2016 diversity analysis ranged from 2.354 (H max = 2.565) in sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) to 2.591 (H max = 2.833) in sweet pecan, with diversity analysis in 2017 showing changes with sweet pecan increasing by 0.149 and sugarberry persimmon at 2.399. Results of study will aid in developing forest management recommendations to promote breeding bird use of the afforested stand
| 339100518637888064_mississippi_state_symposium_poster.pptx |
Name
Holden Miles
Email
chm123@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Charles H. Miles1, Heidi J. Renninger2, Emily B. Schultz2, Andrew B. Self2, John L. Willis2 and Andrew W. Ezell3
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: A comparison of Seasonal Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Water-Use Efficiency Among Seedlings of Two Oak Species and Three Planting Stocks
Abstract: Oaks (Quercus spp.) are an important component of many ecosystems. They provide aesthetic, wildlife, and economic value while providing many ecosystem services such as clean air and water. Knowledge of basic tree growth processes, including photosynthesis, transpiration, and water-use efficiency is important for natural resource professionals to understand how the environment and management practices influence tree growth and development. A limited number of studies have been conducted that report significant differences in photosynthesis rates, transpiration rates, and water-use efficiency among various hardwood species and planting stocks of oak seedlings. Understanding how certain species/planting stocks behave physiologically to changing environmental conditions is vital when focusing on reforesting areas by artificial regeneration. The EKO planting stock resulted in the highest overall seasonal average photosynthetic rates, lowest transpiration rates, and best overall water-use efficiency. The willow oak performed best when comparing between the species only.
Holden Miles
chm123@msstate.edu
Co-Authors
Charles H. Miles1, Heidi J. Renninger2, Emily B. Schultz2, Andrew B. Self2, John L. Willis2 and Andrew W. Ezell3
Abstract (Include Poster Title)
Title: A comparison of Seasonal Photosynthesis, Transpiration, and Water-Use Efficiency Among Seedlings of Two Oak Species and Three Planting Stocks
Abstract: Oaks (Quercus spp.) are an important component of many ecosystems. They provide aesthetic, wildlife, and economic value while providing many ecosystem services such as clean air and water. Knowledge of basic tree growth processes, including photosynthesis, transpiration, and water-use efficiency is important for natural resource professionals to understand how the environment and management practices influence tree growth and development. A limited number of studies have been conducted that report significant differences in photosynthesis rates, transpiration rates, and water-use efficiency among various hardwood species and planting stocks of oak seedlings. Understanding how certain species/planting stocks behave physiologically to changing environmental conditions is vital when focusing on reforesting areas by artificial regeneration. The EKO planting stock resulted in the highest overall seasonal average photosynthetic rates, lowest transpiration rates, and best overall water-use efficiency. The willow oak performed best when comparing between the species only.
| stoneville_2018_poster.pdf |