Proceedings Of The Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Presents the research of 189 investigators studying the patterns & process of managed southern forests through 104 reported studies. These contributions emanate from scientists located at various universities, forestry industries, & public agencies. The conference began with a general session by 5 presenters on Silviculture -- A Pivotal Role in a Changing Profession.Ó The following papers were divided into specific topics: ecosystem management; vegetation management; pest management/natural disturbance; biometrics/economics; site productivity; site impacts; ecophysiology/genetics; regeneration; silvicultural systems; & stand development/intermediate management.

The expansive network of experimental forests (EF) facilitated by the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) encompasses a fairly complete representation of the forest ecotypes in the nation. The network, 101 years old this year (2009), has provided researchers with a wealth of long-term data on silviculture, watershed protection, and restoration. However, our nation's needs and expectations have changed dramatically in the last 100 years. A number of structural, financial, and policy challenges must be overcome if the current EF model is to continue to exist. The Forest Service must consider how EFs fit the needs of the public in the 21st century.

A forum for the exchange of research information among silviculturists & researchers in related areas. Emphasizes research in pine, hardwood, & mixed-species forests. Chapters: tree improvement & nursery technology; site preparation; vegetation mgmt.; site classification; longleaf pine silviculture; nutrient dynamics; silvicultural systems; intermediate mgmt.; hardwood, pine & pine-hardwood regeneration; impacts of harvesting & site preparation; pine nutrition mgmt.; physiology; plant & structural diversity; growth & yield; stand development & dynamics; & measurement & research methods.

The 16th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference (BSSRC) was held February 15-17, 2011 in Charleston, South Carolina. The 16th BSSRC was the latest in a series of meetings designed to provide a forum for the exchange of research information among silviculturists, researchers, and managers. More than 260 people attended the conference with 189 oral and poster presentations given covering research in pine and hardwood silviculture, soil and water, physiology and genetics, carbon and bioenergy, fire and fuels, forest health, restoration, growth and yield, and forest economics. In addition, two field trips focused on state-of-the-art intensive management of loblolly pine and silvicultural research on the Francis Marion National Forest and the Santee Experimental Forest were provided. The 86 papers published in these proceedings were submitted by the authors in electronic media. Limited editing was done to ensure a consistent format. Authors were responsible for content and accuracy of their individual papers.