Growth response and cost comparisons for precommercial thinning methods of Appalachian oak stump sprout clumps

• Published in: Southern journal of applied forestry Vol. 22; no. 1
• Main Authors: Groninger, J.W. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.), Stein, H.D, Zedaker, S.M, Smith, D.W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.1998
• Subjects: 2,4-D; APPLICATION; APPLICATION METHODS; COSTS; DIAMETER; FELLING; GROWTH; KEROSENE; PARAFFIN; PLANT COMPETITION; QUERCUS; RELEASE; SPRAYING; SPROUTING; THINNING; TREE INJECTION; TRICLOPYR; VIRGINIA
• ISSN: 0148-4419; 1938-3754
• DOI: 10.1093/sjaf/22.1.19

Twelve-year-old stems of stump sprout origin were subjected to precommercial crop tree release treatments in an intermediate quality mixed Appalachian oak forest. Three chemicals (2,4-D, triclopyr, and kerosene) and two application methods (Hypo-hatchet injection and stem spray) were compared with one another and with chainsaw felling in terms of crop and competitor growth response to thinning, productivity, and cost efficiency. After 5 yr, 24-D stem spray, triclopyr stem spray, and chainsaw treatments produced incremental diameter growth 28, 25, and 22% greater than unthinned controls, respectively. Triclopyr stem spray and chainsaw treatments were also most effective in controlling competitors. Stem spray and injection required 40 and 58% less time, respectively, and cost less than chainsaw felling. These results suggest that stem spray application of herbicides can be a cost effective alternative to chainsaw thinning for precommercial crop stem release of oak stump sprouts