Height Growth and Site Index Curves for Cherrybark Oak and Sweetgum in Mixed, Even-Aged Stands on the Minor Bottoms of Central Mississippi

Abstract

Abstract A combination of stem analysis and height-age plot data procedures was used to construct height growth and site index curves for cherrybark oak (Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia Ell.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) in natural, even-aged stands on the minor bottoms of central Mississippi. Height growth is initially greater in sweetgum than cherrybark oak in these mixed stands. However, cherrybark oak height exceeds that of sweetgum at 20 to 25 years of age. Cherrybark oak continues to outgrow sweetgum, resulting in vertical canopy stratification. Cherrybark oak site index curves for the minor bottoms are shown to be different from those previously published for the major bottoms of the Mississippi River, but sweetgum site index curves are essentially the same. South. J. Appl. For. 11(4):219-222.