Progress 03/01/03 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: (1) Impacts of forest fertilization on water quality: Research findings regarding nutrient use efficiency and the environmental fate of mineral and organic fertilizer materials applied to forest lands were disseminated through presentations at national and regional meetings, including the Society of American Foresters National meeting, the Southern Group of State Foresters Water Resource Committee Annual meeting, and the Florida Forestry BMP Technical Advisory Committee Annual meeting. A large-scale research and demonstration study to verify the effectiveness of Silvicultural BMP's to protect water quality in Florida was initiated at sites with contrasting leaching potential working in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the FL Division of Forestry, private non-industrial forest landowners and forest industry. Two multi-media presentations were created to disseminate research findings through our website. (2) Biofuels and alternative forest crops: Results from formal research to develop and promote alternative forest crops to sustain private forest land ownership and protect environmental resources were disseminated through six Extension workshops in north Florida generating 460 contact hours. A new research and outreach program to support the developing bio-energy industry in the region was initiated with energy producers and industrial landowners to develop cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable fuel-stocks. Five multi-media presentations were produced to provide technical information to forest landowners and energy producers on our web site. (3) Forest vegetation management: Research regarding the use of integrated vegetation management to promote tree productivity, reduce risk of catastrophic wild fire, and protect against habitat loss from invasive vegetation were disseminated through six regional and state Extension workshops generating 930 contact hours. Five multi-media presentations were prepared for dissemination of technical information regarding biofuel-stock production and other alternative forest crops such as pine straw on our website. PARTICIPANTS: This CRIS project was submitted by Dr. Jarek Nowak, formerly Assistant Professor of Silviculture, University of Florida, who served as PI until 2007 when Dr. Patrick Minogue assumed responsibility as PI for the project and other duties associated with Jarek's former faculty appointment. The project is also supported by Dr. Anna Osiecka, Senior Biological Scientist, who was responsible for study installation, measurement, and data analyses. Dr. Shibu Jose served as co-PI and research collaborator. Partner organizations and collaborators include Jeffrey Vowell, Chief, Bureau of Forest Resource Planning, Florida Division of Forestry and Dr. Michael Thomas, Bureau of Watershed Management, FL Department of Environmental Protection who participated in the conduct of this research and provided significant in-kind support. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this CRIS project includes managers of private and industrial forest land under continuous production for forest products, as well as researchers in the field of natural resource management within the Southeastern United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
New knowledge regarding nutrient use efficiency of mineral and poultry litter fertilizers in young plantations of loblolly, slash, and longleaf pine in excessively drained soils of the Florida Sand Ridge has been adopted by growers to improve profitability and reduce the potential for groundwater contamination in this region. New knowledge regarding the use of herbicides inhibiting formation of branched-chain amino acids in plants to control the invasive weed Japanese climbing fern has been widely adopted by managers of forest and conserved land to improve cost effectiveness and minimize negative impacts to associated vegetation and wildlife habitat.
Publications
- Moorhead, D.J., P.J. Minogue, and E.D. Dickens. 2009. Herbaceous weed control recommendations for planted loblolly pine sites. 10 pp. www.bugwood.org and www.forestproductivity.net
- Dickens, E. D., D. J. Moorhead, and P.J. Minogue. 2009. Herbaceous weed control recommendations for planted slash pine sites. 10 pp. www.bugwood.org and www.forestproductivity.net
- Miwa, M. and P.J. Minogue. 2009. Effects of silvicultural practices on the nations waters: How can we improve the effectiveness of BMPs Society of American Foresters National Meeting. Sept. 30- Oct. 3, 2009. Orlando, FL (Invited).
- Osiecka, A., P. Minogue, Long, A., Nowak J., and Mossler, M. 2009. Herbicides registered for pine plantation management in Florida: 2008. Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular CIR1475/ FR158. 14 pp. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR158
- Minogue, P.J., *S. Jones, K. Bohn, R. Williams. 2009. Biology and control of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum). Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular FOR 218/FR280. 7 pp. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR280 Minogue, P.J., D.J. Moorhead, and E.D. Dickens. 2009. Herbaceous weed control recommendations for planted longleaf sites. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. 8 pp. www.bugwood.org and www.forestproductivity.net
- Pieterson, E. C., S. Jose, S. B. Jack, K. Kitajima, P. J. Minogue. 2009. Multiple control strategies for Lygodium japonicum (Japanese clibing fern) in the southeastern United States. Florida Exotic and Invasive Plant Pest Meeting, Orlando, FL May 26-29, 2009.
|
Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: (1) Forest Vegetation Management: Research findings regarding the use of selective herbicides for the control of invasive weeds in forests and conserved lands were diseminated through presentations and participation in annual meetings of the Ecological Society of America (invited paper), Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council, Natural Areas Conference, Conserved Forest Ecosystems Outreach and Research (CEFOR) cooperative program, the Longleaf Alliance, as well as 7 state-wide Extension programs to a total of 867 attendees. (2) Wildlife Management: Popular summaries of research findings regarding forest management practices to enhance and sustain both game and non-game wildlife species were presented to a total of 95 participants at 3 district Extension programs with measured improvement of knowledge. (3) Bio-fuels: New technologies for converting farm and forest fuelstocks and organic residues to energy were demonstrated at a field day to 160 participants with measured improvement of knowledge. (4) Water Quality: Results from a long-term silvicultural research project addressing the effectiveness of forest fertilization BMP's to protect water quality were presented to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to verify effectiveness of current recommendations. Graduate Student Years: 2 PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Patrick Minogue has taken the University of Florida position previously held by Dr. Jarek Nowak and is now reponsible for this CRIS project. Research is also being conducted by Dr. Anna Osiecka, Dr. Masato Miwa, and Dr. Shibu Jose, University of Florida, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences. Significant research colaboration with Jeffrey Vowell, FL Division of Forestry, Don Schmitz, FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Dr. Mike Thomas, FL Department of Environmental Protection has strenghtened this research effort. Our reserach is supported by grants from the FL Department of Environmental Protection, City of Tallahasee Water Quality Department, and gifts from BASF and DuPont. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is intended to support sustainable forest management in Florida and the Southeastern United States through research and educational programs intended to provide information to managers of private, industrial, and conserved forest land. Target audiences also include state regulatory agencies, in particular the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
New knowledge regarding direct control measures for the invassive weed Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) using combinations of herbicides inhibiting the formation of branch chained amino acids in plants has been adopted by managers of conserved lands to improve efficacy, limit negative impacts to associated vegetation and habitats, and reduce treatment costs. New knowledge regarding the nutrient use efficiency of manufactured and poultry litter fertilizers on young southern pine stands grown on excessively drained soils of the Florida Sand Ridge region has been adopted by producers to improve profitability and reduce potential for groundwater pollution in this region.
Publications
- Bohn, K.K. and P.J. Minogue. Control of Japanese climbing fern and effects to non-target vegetation following herbicide application in two pine stands disturbed by hurricanes. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council's 10th Annual Symposium, Biloxi, MS. May 21, 2008 (In Press).
- Williams, R. and P.J. Minogue. 2008. Biology and control of Chinese Tallow. Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular FR251. 5 pp. (EDIS, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR251).
- Minogue, P., A. Osiecka, and K. Bohn. 2008. Use of low-volume, backpack directed sprays of glyphosate, metsulfuron, and imazapyr herbicides for selective control of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) in Florida's natural areas. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center,Quincy, FL, Research Report 2008-03. 2 pp.
- Williams, R. and P.J. Minogue. 2008. Biology and control of Chinese Privet. Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular FR250. 6 pp. (EDIS, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR250).
- Williams, R. and P.J. Minogue. 2008. Biology and control of Cogongrass. Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular FR252. 6 pp. (EDIS, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR252).
- Ober, H. K. and P.J. Minogue. 2008. Managing Oaks to Produce Food for Wildlife. Univ. of Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular WEC249. 5 pp. (EDIS, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WEC249.
- Minogue, P.J., K. Bohn, A. Osiecka, J. McKethen. 2008. Herbicide treatments for selective control of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) in Florida's natural areas. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL, Research Report 2008-07. 42 pp.
- Minogue, P.J., D. K. Lauer, A. Osiecka. 2008. Herbaceous weed control using selective herbicides in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris): pre-emergence flumioxazin and post-emergence clethodim applications. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL, Research Report 2008-06. 7 pp.
- Minogue, P., A. Osiecka, and K. Bohn. 2008. Use of low-volume, backpack directed sprays of glyphosate, metsulfuron, and imazapyr herbicides for selective control of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) in Florida's natural areas. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL, Research Report 2008-03. 2 pp.
- Osiecka, A. and P. Minogue. 2008. Verification of the effectiveness of forest fertilization BMPs to protect water quality in the Suwannee Valley region of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Experiment Station, North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL, Research Report 2008-02. 5 pp.
- Pieterson, E.C., Jose Shibu, Jack, S.B., Minogue, P.J. 2008. Incorporating fire into an integrated pest management plan for Lygodium japonicum (Japanese Climbing Fern). Natural Areas Conference. Nashville, TN, October 15, 2008.
- Bohn, K.K. and P.J. Minogue. 2008. Control of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) and effects to non-target vegetation following herbicide application in two pine stands disturbed by hurricanes. Proceedings 93rd Ecological Society of America Meeting, Milwaukee, WI, August 3-8, 2008 (In Press).
- Minogue, P.J. and K.K. Bohn. 2008. Forest disturbance and ecology of Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum). Proceedings 93rd Ecological Society of America Meeting, Milwaukee, WI, August 3-8, 2008 (In Press). (Invited Paper)
|
Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: New results from three long-term silvicultural fertilization research projects addressing the leaching potential for mineral fertilizers and chicken litter in young slash, longleaf, and loblolly pine stands, as well as mid-rotation slash pine stands on excessively drained soils of the Florida Sand Ridge were presented to regulatory agencies (FL Dept. Agriculture and Consumer Services and FL Dept. of Environmental Protection) at two agency meetings to address the effectiveness of forest fertilization Best Management Practices. These results were presented to more than 100 forest landowners, forest managers, and fertilization vendors at the Suwannee Valley North Florida Research and Education Center Spring field day as well a state-wide videoconference on forest fertilization.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Patrick Minogue has taken the University of Florida faculty position previously held by Dr. Jarek Nowak and is now responsible for this CRISS project. Research is also being conducted by Dr. Massato Miwa, Dr. Anna Osiecka, and Dr. Shibu Jose, also with the University of Florida. This research was funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
TARGET AUDIENCES: This project is intended to support sustainable forest management in Florida and the Southeastern United States through research and educational programs intended to provide information to managers of private, industrial, and conserved forest land. Target audiences also include state regulatory agencies, in particular the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, responsible for regulation of forest management practices and protection of water quality.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There have been no changes.
Impacts
Our forest fertilization research areas are on excessively drained soils in the Suwannee Valley of Florida with underlying groundwater at 25 to 30 feet, representing a worst-case scenario for nutrient leaching and pollution of groundwater. We found that current BMP's are effective in protecting water quality, although in one case nitrate concentration in groundwater wells was slightly elevated following mineral fertilization in young stands over a shallow water table. We also observed no nitrate flux at a four foot depth for two separate fertilization events in young loblolly pine stands, indicating that loblolly is more efficient in capturing nitrogen fertilizer than slash or longleaf pine. These results add to the paucity of information available regarding nutrient budgets and leaching potential for plantations of three pine species on sandy Coastal Plain sites and journal and extension publications are in progress.
Publications
- Osiecka, A., P. J. Minogue, J. Nowak. 2007. Effects of fertilizer applications on pine growth and nitrate leaching in sandy soils of North Florida. Managing Conserved Lands. School of Forest Resources and Conservation and the Society of American Foresters Annual Spring Symposium, Gainesville, FL, May 1-3, 2007.
|
Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Follow up tree growth measurements continued in two slash pine (Pinus elliottii) experiments in response to objective 1. For trees planted in 2000 and fertilized in 2002, diammonium phosphate (DAP) had a positive effect on longleaf pine tree diameter and height. Consequently, average longleaf pine tree volume was higher in DAP compared with control treatments. Loblolly pine and slash pine average tree volume was not affected by fertilization. Similarly, wood volume per unit land area was not affected by fertilization with DAP or broiler litter for any of the pine species studied. In addition to DAP fertilization positively affecting average longleaf pine height and diameter, broiler litter application had a positive effect on loblolly pine height. This suggests, that pine species growth may respond differently to different fertilization materials on deep sandy soils, such as those in this study. For the mid-rotation age slash pine experiment, tree growth and pine
litter data for the second growing season following fertilization in 2003 are being analyzed. Objective 2 continued to be addressed in a silvopasture experiment consisting of an open pasture treatment and three different thinning treatments in a mid-rotation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stand. Wood and forage production was examined for three tree canopy conditions during the first and second growing season following forage establishment. Per unit land area, the conventionally 5th row thinned loblolly pine stands produced 26% more wood than double tree row silvopasture, and 43% more wood than 4th row heavy thinned silvopasture. Open pasture produced more forage than any of the two silvopastoral treatments. Planting of cool-season forages in addition to warm-season bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) increased total annual forage yield between 26% and 56% measured as dry mass (DM). Addition of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) alone was responsible for between 26% and 43% of this increase, while
addition of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) to bahiagrass + ryegrass pastures increased total annual yield by an average of 11%, and addition of red clover (Trifolium pratense) to bahiagrass + ryegrass + crimson clover pastures added on average only 4% to forage DM. For objective 3, preliminary data analyses indicate that soil P, degree of site flooding, and amount of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) reaching forest floor are the three most significant predictor variables correlated with % cover by the non-native, invasive Japanese climbing fern. Additionally, in an effort to devise effective means of Japanese climbing fern control, third multiple herbicide trial was being evaluated through 2005. Previous trials indicated that combinations of glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl herbicides might be the most effective in controlling Japanese climbing fern.
Impacts
First, this research verifies applicability of Florida Silviculture BMPs upper fertilization limits to pine plantation growth, and potential for nitrate leaching on sandy soils in North Florida. Non-industrial private forest owners in the region routinely engage in pine plantation fertilization despite uncertain effects on tree growth and pine litter yield. Our results to date support the notion of little tree growth benefit after three growing seasons following fertilization. The results of this research will aid in economic (timber and pine litter yield) and environmental (nitrates in groundwater) evaluation of intensive fertilization practices of pine plantations in North Florida. Second, optimization of tree canopy configuration and forage species selection for silvopasture are investigated. This research will help determine economic viability of integrated timber, forage and livestock management systems in the region. Thus far, conventional pine plantation
produced more wood, and open pasture more forage than silvopastoral systems. Third, ecology and control of non-native, invasive Japanese climbing fern are investigated. This research aims at identification of sites most vulnerable to Japanese climbing fern infestations and identification of the most effective ways to limit the presence of this species. The results will improve the economics of pine straw collection industry in providing better access to pine litter by effective suppression of the species, and will have environmental benefits of limiting the presence of this invasive plant in Florida forests.
Publications
- Mayfield, A.E., Nowak, J. and Moses, G.C. 2005. Southern Pine Beetle Awareness and Forest Management Characteristics of Non-Industrial Private Forest Landowners in Northern Florida. In: Mizaras, S., ed. 2005. Small-scale Forestry in a Changing Environment. Proceedings of IUFRO Research Group 3.08 Small-scale Forestry, International Symposium, May 30-June 4, 2005, Vilnius, Lithuania. Kaunas, Lithuanian Forest Research Institute. Pp: 329-340.
- Nowak, J., Osiecka, A., Hochmuth, G.J., Jose, S., Graetz, D.A., Zwanka, W. and Wright, D.L. 2004. Nitrate-Nitrogen Leaching and Tree Growth after Mid-rotation Slash Pine Fertilization with Mineral Fertilizer or Poultry Litter on Sandy Soil in North Florida. Abstracts. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 96th Annual International Meeting, Seattle, WA, October 31-November 4, 2004.
- Osiecka, A., Nowak, J., Hochmuth, G.J., Lee, K.H., Jose, S. and Wright, D.L. 2004. Effects of Poultry Litter and Mineral Fertilizer on Young Slash Pine Growth and Nitrate Leaching on Sandy Soil. Abstracts. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 96th Annual International Meeting, Seattle, WA, October 31-November 4, 2004.
- Bambo, S., Nowak, J., Blount, A., Osiecka, A. and Myer, R. 2004. Loblolly Pine Growth and Warm/Cool-Season Forage Performance under Thinned Tree Canopies in North Florida. Abstracts. 1st World Congress of Agroforestry, Orlando, FL, June 27-July 2, 2004.
- Nowak, J. and Long, A.J. 2004. Slash Pine in Integrated Timber, Forage and Livestock Silvopastoral Systems. In: Dickens, E.D.; Barnett, J.P.; Hubbard, W.G.; Jokela, E.J., eds. 2004. Slash Pine: Still Growing and Growing! Proceedings of the Slash Pine Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-76. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Pp: 98-104.
- Ellis, E., Nair, P.K.R. and Nowak, J. 2004. The Southeastern Agroforestry Decision Support System (SEADSS): An On-Line Application for Tree and Shrub Selection and Agroforestry Decision Making. Abstracts. 1st World Congress of Agroforestry, Orlando, FL, June 27-July 2, 2004.
|
Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
In response to this CRIS project objective 1, two experiments were conducted, one in a 2-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and another in an 11-year-old slash pine plantations. In the first experiment, NO3-N leaching and tree growth on Foxworth fine sand soil in north Florida were investigated following application of diammonium phosphate (DAP, 280 kg ha-1) or broiler litter (6240 kg ha-1). After treatments, soil solution NO3-N concentrations peaked first at 0.3 m reaching 11.0 mg L-1 six weeks after DAP application, and 56.6 mg L-1 ten weeks after broiler litter application. The highest NO3-N concentrations at 1.2 m depth were recorded 12.5 weeks after application of DAP or litter (14.6 mg L-1 and 41.0 mg L-1, respectively). Except for two measurements, groundwater NO3-N concentration at 9 m remained below 1.0 mg L-1 for a year following fertilization. During first growing season, relative increase of diameter, height and volume was greater for pines fertilized
with broiler litter or DAP compared with control. The second experiment was conducted on Alpin fine sand soil in north Florida. Treatments were fertilized conventionally (22-13-10) at 0.73 Mg ha-1, or with broiler litter at 9.78 Mg ha-1. After treatments, soil solution NO3-N at 0.3 m depth peaked at 114.1 mg L-1, and at 1.2 m depth at 51.1 mg L-1 six weeks after mineral fertilizer application. Overall, during one year post-treatment groundwater NO3-N ranged between 2.1 and 6.7 mg L-1. After one growing season, fertilized pines had higher needle K concentrations, but neither fertilization treatment resulted in more wood volume than unfertilized control. To address objective 2 of this CRIS project, NO3-N leaching, forage yield and quality, and tree growth are measured in open pasture, two silvopastoral and one conventional thinning treatments. Total open pasture forage dry matter (DM) yield for the 2003/04 winter season (6.75 Mg ha-1) was higher compared with DM in silvopasture
treatments. Silvopastoral double-row (4.37 Mg ha-1) and heavy thinning (3.97 Mg ha-1) treatments did not differ with respect to forage DM produced. The differences in forage yield mirrored differences in available Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) among the treatments. Average forage In Vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (IVOMD) was lower in the silvopastures compared with the open pasture; however, the IVOMD in double-row (60.80%) and heavy thinning (62.13%) treatments were not significantly different from each other. Due to a greater number of trees per hectare, more wood was produced in the conventionally thinned than the silvopastoral treatments. The NO3-N leaching, forage species suitability, nutrient acquisition and utilization by forage and tree components in all experimental treatments are being analyzed. Data addressing objective 3 of this CRIS project (linkages between soil nutrient status and forest infestations by a non-native, invasive plant species Japanese
climbing fern) has been collected but not analyzed.
Impacts
Experiments addressing objective 1 of this CRIS project provide data verifying suitability of current Florida Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMP) in regard to pine fertilization on sandy soils in North Florida. Private Non-Industrial Forest Landowners in the region routinely engage in such fertilization practices for timber and/or pine straw production. However, our data to date indicate that tree growth benefit of these practices is doubtful at best. In response to environmental concerns, we are testing impact of maximum BMP allowable N fertilization rates on NO3-N leaching in soil profiles and concentrations in surficial groundwater. Experiments addressing objective 2 provide technical information on establishment of silvopastoral systems (integrated timber-forage-cattle management) in mid-rotation age pine plantations after the first commercial thinning. In the southeastern U.S., there is abundance of pine plantations in a need of thinning, but private
landowners are reluctant to apply this practice because of depressed prices on pulpwood markets. Establishment of silvopasture as an alternative forest-based enterprise might be attractive to some landowners, if production and environmental benefits can be convincingly demonstrated. Experiments conducted to address objective 3 aim at better understanding of an ecological niche of a non-native invasive plant species (Japanese climbing fern). This species is one of the most disruptive exotic weeds in pine plantation and natural forests in Florida and the Southeast.
Publications
- Nowak, J. and Friend, A.L. 2005. Aluminum fractions in root tips of slash pine and loblolly pine families differing in Al resistance. Tree Physiol. 25:245-250.
|
|