Growth and Yield of Thinned Upland Oak Stands in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas

Abstract

Abstract Eighty-seven permanent plots were installed in natural even-aged upland oak (Quercus sp.) stands in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas on an array of sites and representing a range of ages. These plots were subsequently thinned to stocking levels of 40, 60, 80, and 100%. Measurements were taken at plot establishment and 5 and 10 yr after thinning. We developed a system of equations from these data to predict projected total basal area per ac and current and projected values for the following stand variables: quadratic mean dbh, total ft3 volume per ac, merchantable ft3 volume per ac, sawtimber ft3 volume per ac, and bd-ft volumes per ac for the three principal log rules-Doyle, Scribner, and International ¼ in. Forest managers can use these equations to predict the growth and yield potential of upland oak stands in the Boston Mountains. South. J. Appl. For. 18 (1): 10-14.