Central/Southern Perspective - Westvaco's Short-Rotation Operations

Gail Simonds, Westvaco-Timberlands, Wickliffe, KY

Management of shorter-rotation hardwood plantations in the Central region consists of a six-part program. The intensity level of the management program varies with economic investment and potential productivity. The spectrum ranges from fertigated fiber farms to a variety of upland plantations. Regardless of intensity, the following components must be included, land classification, planting stock, competition control, soil amendments, disease and insect control, and monitoring and evaluation.

Land classification is the cornerstone for management shorter-rotation hardwood plantations. Answering the basic question, of what species to plant on what site, requires the synthesis of information from a variety of sources. Land classification maps are derived from NRCS and USGS maps and Landsat and DEM imagery. Field soil mappers verify and modify map information. Site indexes, both present and historical are included in productivity estimates. These land classification maps are used in the establishment of new plantations.

There are two areas of importance in selecting planting stock. First, the best genetics available must be used. Cottonwood, sycamore and sweetgum have established genetic bases from which superior stock is being selected. Hybrid aspens are currently under study in the Central region. Selections of yellow- poplar are currently based on phenotype and planting stock availability. The second concern is the quality of planting stock. Requirements such as minimum basal diameters, seedling height, top pruning and handling procedures, must be communicated to nursery owners. Higher premiums have been found to encourage production of stock with a greater potential for survival.

Competition control is an integral part of plantation survival and initial growth. Research in loblolly pine has shown that growth rates were greater in years one through three with chemical control of hardwood competition. That difference in growth increment was maintained throughout stand development. Chemical control in hardwood stands is hindered by the susceptibility of chosen species to herbicides. Until biotechnology can provide trees that are resist to the herbicides of choice and can pass societal scrutiny, chemical control is being accomplished by a variety of pre- and post-emerge treatments in conjunction with mechanical site preparation. In the Central region, chemical control is usually an intensive management tool rarely used beyond the third year of stand development.

Soil amendments come in three types, water, fertilizers and biological agents. In the Central Region, water is reserved for the high-end technology of fertigated fiber farming. However, that does not preclude the occasional, emergency application on newly planted stock. Fertilizer applications include lime, macro- and micro-nutrients. Amounts, timing and delivery systems are designed for each species and site combination. Biological agents include rooting hormones, nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.

Disease and insect control includes both biological and chemical treatments. A wide variety of agents are available for treatment of disease and insect problems. Efficacy, economics and societal pressures are considered in choosing agents. A effective control program requires a thorough scouting program. Proper monitoring and evaluation of tree health will determine if and when controls are necessary and how effective those controls are.

Monitoring and evaluation are the most important parts of managing shorter-rotation plantations. Height and diameter data are being collected and comparisons between actual and predicted growth evaluated. Growth data coupled with soil and foliar analyses determine if amendments are effective. Additionally, water sampling is being done for determinations of nutrient leaching in susceptible plantations. Competition control is being monitored and evaluated for efficacy and changes in competitive populations. Effectiveness of controls are evaluated on the basis of tree growth. Disease and insect controls are evaluated by the same criteria.

This management program outlines the main points in developing successful shorter-rotation hardwood plantations. It also includes the unmentioned need for commitment by all involved parties. Off-site plantations, poor survival and less than desirable growth, seedlings overtopped by vines, ill-timed fertilizer applications, and losses due to insects and disease can be avoided if each part of the program is maintained at the highest levels possible.

File posted on March 17, 1998; Date Modified: February 21, 1999