Progress 02/29/16 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:University researchers, university students, and forest managers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Conference presentations, journal publications, and a pending MS thesis publication. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As a continuation of the examination of changes in wood physical properties in response to white-rot fungi inoculation, Pleurotus species in particular, wood samples from both laboratory incubations log inoculations were performed. In addition to wood analyses, soil chemical properties were examined to determine if any elements correlated with changes in measured wood properties. Analysis for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents determined that under the current experimental conditions that the pre-treatment of snags with White-rot fungi was not successful in aiding the extraction of cellulose. Significant changes in fiber composition in cherrybark oak do not appear to be the result of fungal inoculation. However, there is a need to repeat the study with improved timing of snag creation and the quantity of fungal inoculation sites per snag as outlined by J. Bruhn (J. Bruhn, 2008). These improvements would confirm or refute the findings of this study. The laboratory study should be repeated with minor improvements to the methods outlined in the methods and materials section to determine if my hypothesis that the sample vials were too small to allow proper gas exchange and that the duration of the study was too short to allow for lignin degradation to begin. The nutritional assessment of each study site determined that there were significant differences in mineral contents of pine and oak foliage, in particular oak displayed higher mineral concentrations of postassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), boron (B), nitrogen (N), and carbon (C), while pine displayed significantly higher concentrations of zinc (Zn) and sodium (Na). It is important to note that while Na is among the most limiting macronutrients in terms of deer distribution, abundance, and diet selection that overall foraging availability is limited in the pine spacing study site. There were no fungal samples collected from the Pine Spacing Study site, and very few samples collected from the Three Oaks Study site throughout the duration of this project. Results from fungal samples collected did indicate that Pleurotus sp. could be a supplemental source of C, N, Na, and phosphorus (P). This is important because even though very few fruiting bodies were collected from the Three Oaks site there are implications that this could potentially be a viable and beneficial enhancement for wildlife, especially in areas where Na and P are limiting.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Clowers, S.A., R.L. Ficklin and S. Wilson. 2020. White-rot fungi colonization on wood as a pretreatment for nanocellulose
extraction. American Association for the Advancement of Science International Meeting. February 13-16, 2020. Seattle,
WA.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Mohler, C.E., M.M. Bataineh, D.C. Bragg, R.L. Ficklin, M.H. Pelkki and M.G. Olson. 2020. Oak competitive status in 27-year-old group openings in a West Gulf Coastal Plain pine-hardwood forest. In: Bragg,k Don C.; Koerth, Nancy E.; Holley,A. Gordon, eds. 2020. Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. E-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-253. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Pp 21-229.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Bataineh, M., Walters, B., Clarke, S., Babst, B., Ficklin, R. 2020. Emerald ash borer infestation in Arkansas: extent,severity, and progression. In Forest health monitoring national status and trends report, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station Asheville, NC.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Mohler, C., M. Bataineh, D.C. Bragg, R. Ficklin, M. Pelkki and M. Olson. 2021. Long-term effects of group opening size and site preparation method on gap-cohort development in a temperate mixedwood forest. Forest Ecology and Management 480, 9 pgs.
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Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Natural resource managers, university researchers, and students. Changes/Problems:During the initial inoculations and incubations, mold contamination after two weeks emerged as a problem. When changes in sterile cultural techniques alone did not resolve the issue, new inoculum was purchased. The problem was resolved, but the revised sterile culturing methods are continuing to be used. The mold contamination problems required approximately 6 weeks to resolve, because of the time required for the problem to manifest during incubations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In addition to a presentation at a national meeting, results have been shared with collaborators through the Arkansas EPSCoR consortium. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The studies on the influence of white-rot fungi on nanocellulose quality and quantity is ongoing. Additionally, changes in the fuel value of the woody substrates as fungal growth progresses will be measured.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the spring of 2019, tree cores were prepared for analysis. The cores were collected in fall 2018 and were taken from inoculated and non-inoculated trees from both study sites (Three Oaks and Pine Spacing) in St. Francis County, AR. Trees were inoculated with one of 4 fungi species Pleurotus ostreatus or Hericium erinaceus at the Three Oaks site, andPleurotus pulmonarius or Hericium abietis at the Pine Spacing site. These samples were processed using an ANKOM 2000 fiber analyzer to determine cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin & ash content. The results were compared to cores collected in fall of 2017 using SAS software to determine significant differences in fiber composition between time periods, tree species (Quercus and Pinus), and inoculated and non-inoculated trees. The results indicated a significant difference in fiber composition between tree species, and time period. However, there was no significant difference in fiber composition between inoculated and non-inoculated trees. 3' bolts of wood (Quercus and Pinus) species were inoculated with 6 different types of edible fungi (H. erinaceus, H. abietis, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius, Laetiporus conifericola, and Laetiporus sulphureus). None of the inoculations were successful; however, most the bolts did develop white polypore fungi. A sterile protocol was created for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) sawdust inoculation with Pleurotus ostreatus liquid culture to determine if mycelium growth has a significant effect on fiber composition and caloric content. These samples were incubated in a dry bath incubator in complete darkness for 4, 6, and 8 weeks. After incubation samples were processed using either the ANKOM 2000 fiber analyzer to determine fiber composition, or Digital Data Systems (DDS) e2k combustion calorimeter to determine caloric value. The results were analyzed using SAS software to determine any significant differences between time periods. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin & ash between weeks 0 and 8 for both tree species. Soil core samples were collected from both study sites in St. Francis County, Arkansas, to determine nutrient composition and to estimate bulk density. Soil samples were analyzed in-house for total nitrogen and carbon content using an Elementar vario MAX CN combustion analyzer.Foliage samples also were collected from both study sites to determine nutrient composition. Samples were dried and ground before analyzing in-house for total nitrogen and carbon content using an Elementar vario MAX CN combustion analyzer. Pleurotus spp. fruiting bodies were collected from the Three Oaks study site from inoculated and non-inoculated trees. These samples were analyzed using the DDS combustion calorimeter for caloric value, the Elementar vario MAX CN combustion analyzer to determine total carbon and nitrogen content.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Clowers, S.A., R.L. Ficklin and S. Wilson. 2019. Pleurotus Species as Pretreatment for Nanocellulose Extraction from Woody Substrates. Society of American Foresters National Meeting. October 30-November 3, 2019. Louisville, KY.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Clowers, S.A., R.L. Ficklin, and S. Wilson. 2020. White-rot fungi colonization on wood as a pretreatment for nanocellulose extraction. American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting. February 13-16, 2020 Seattle, WA.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Foust AM. 2019. Access to shade trees decreases cattle congregation around water troughs. Temperate Agroforester 25:3.
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Efforts during this period reached the following audiences: natural resource management professionals, landowners, researchers and students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Threeundergraduate students, four graduate students, and one program technician were provided with training and work experience (e.g. data collection and data entry) on field research projects. The program technician has also been provided with additional training in research methods and study design, as well as the use of the following types of software: geographic information systems (ArcMap) andstatistical analysis (SAS). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research has been disseminated in the form of four peer-reviewed manuscripts, one Masters thesis, and the followingmeeting/conference products: 2 published abstracts, 2 oral presentations, and 7 poster presentations.More information on these may be found in the "Products" section. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: Trees and forest stands are subject to a wide array of environmental factors (e.g. climate and soils) and management actions (e.g. thinning and fertilization) which interact in often complex ways to determine growth and resource allocation. Physiological differences among species (and among varieties within species) may also result in differences in tree responses to these environmental factors and management actions, adding even more complexity to the story of growth and development. While much research has been done to lay a foundation of understanding for how trees and stands respond to these influences, many gaps in our knowledge still exist and require further study. For example, the effects of changing climates on many species' growth, allocation (i.e. partitioning of biomass among stem, branches, leaves, roots, and bark), and physical properties (e.g. specific gravity) are not yet fully understood. This research project seeks to fill several of these gaps through field experiments, and also to apply the knowledge gained from such experiments to improving growth and yield models, in order to better inform the management and utilization of forest resources in Arkansas and beyond. Objective 1: Evaluating tree growth, partitioning, and physical properties in response to growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (i) Wood samples were collected from snags (i.e. dead trees) in oak and pine stands to assesschanges in cellulose content over time. Analysis of fiber composition (percents cellulose, hemicelluose, and lignin) is underway, and then statistical analyses will be conducted to determine whether species or planting density significantly affect composition. (ii) Equations were developed to estimate biomass production and allocation of coppiced poplars at a site near Little Rock, AR.Preliminary analyses indicate thatfittingclone- and/or planting-density-specific equationsdo not significantly improve model fit, which suggeststhat a single equation may be used for the clones andplanting densities evaluated. (iii) A study is underway to evaluate the change in moisture content of wood in a passive drying yard at a nearby pellet mill, and whether it varies by season of the year. Samples have been collected and data entered for two of the four seasons, and work on the third season is currently underway. Objective 2: Modeling stand productivity as a function of growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (i) A second year of data was collected during the summer to evaluate and model relationships between shade tree properties (species, canopy size, etc.), temperature in the trees' shade, and usage of the trees' shade by beef cattle. Data were also collected to examine how shade tree usage by cattle relates to soil compaction under the shade trees, and also the weight gain, heat stress, and water consumption of the cattle themselves. Preliminary results indicate the availability of shade trees increased weight gain and reduced heat stress of the cattle, while the remainder of the data is awaiting analysis. (ii) Plots were re-measured for a study of the effects of feral pigs on bottomland oak regeneration, with a goal of modeling the impacts of this invasive species on the stand dynamics of bottomland hardwood systems.This was done for 80 plots (half protected by exclosures, the other half unprotected controls)at sites across southern AR, trail cameras were set up to monitor hog visitation to the open plots, and acorn traps were placed in each plot. The results so far show that feral hogs had little (if any) negative impact on oak regeneration in the control plots (compared to the exclosures) in the first year after the exclosures were built, although any such impacts may take several years to become apparent, so continued monitoring is recommended. (iii) Data collection was initiated for a study to model stand growth in NRCS conservation easements, under different management scenarios (e.g. no management versus different types of thinning). In the first oftwo summers of field work,about a third of the study sites were sampled.No results are available at this time, as data entry for the first summerhas yet to be completed.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Zalesny RS, Berndes G, Dimitriou I, Fritsche U, Miller C, Eisenbies M, Ghezehei S, Hazel D, Headlee WL, Mola-Yudego B, Negri MC, Nichols EG, Quinn J, Shifflett SD, Therasme O, Volk TA, Zumpf CR. Positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies. WIRES Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Rogers ER, Zalesny RS, Hallett RA, Headlee WL, Wiese AH. Relationships among root-shoot ratio, early growth, and health of hybrid poplar and willow genotypes grown in different landfill soils. Forests
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Zalesny RS, Headlee W, Gopalakrishnan G, Bauer E, Hall R, Hazel D, Isebrands J, Licht L, Negri MC, Nichols E, Rockwood D, Wiese A. Ecosystem services of poplar at long-term phytoremediation sites in the Midwest and Southeast, United States. WIRES Energy and Environment
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Gardiner ES, Ghezehei SB, Headlee WL, Richardson J, Soolanayakanahally RY, Stanton BJ, Zalesny RS. 2018. Conference Report: The 2018 Woody Crops International Conference, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA, 22-27 July 2018. Forests 9(11): 693 (34 pp).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Foust AM, Headlee WL. 2018. Comparison of statistical techniques for evaluating the fiber composition of early rotation pine and hardwood trees for the production of cellulose. In: The 2018 Woody Crops International Conference, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA, 22-27 July 2018. Forests 9(11): 693 (p 24). (published abstract + poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Liechty HO, Headlee WL. 2018. Potential biomass production of four cottonwood clones planted at two densities in the Arkansas River valley, USA. In: The 2018 Woody Crops International Conference, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA, 22-27 July 2018. Forests 9(11): 693 (p 26). (published abstract + poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vaerewyck RG, Headlee WL. Hard mast and feral hogs: seed predator satiation, or regeneration devastation? The Wildlife Societys 25th Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH, October 7-11 2018. (oral presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
McPeake R, Headlee W. Public response to open survey about registration of Kaput� feral hog bait in Arkansas. International Wild Pig Conference in Oklahoma City, OK, April 16-18, 2018. (oral presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Foust AM, Headlee WL. Monitoring the effects of shade trees on cattle behavior, pasture utilization, and water resources using GPS collars. 7th National Grazing Lands Conference, Reno, NV, December 2-5, 2018. (poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Beckemeyer KJ, Headlee WL. Modelling management effects on tree health, habitat quality, and economics of wetland easements in Arkansas. 2018 Society of American Foresters National Convention, Portland, OR, October 3-7, 2018. (poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vaerewyck RG, Headlee WL. Feral hog reliance on hard mast in bottomland hardwood forests. International Wild Pig Conference in Oklahoma City, OK, April 16-18, 2018. (poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Foust AM, Headlee WL, Olson MG, Hossain SMY. Hardwood species and spacing effects on cellulose production. Southern Hardwood Forest Research Group Meeting in Stoneville, MS, March 6, 2018. (poster presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vaerewyck RG, Headlee WL. Mast production and acorn viability in bottomland forests occupied by feral hogs. Southern Hardwood Forest Research Group Meeting in Stoneville, MS, March 6, 2018. (poster presentation)
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Vaerewyck RG. Relationships between hard mast production, feral hog (Sus scrofa) diet, and willow oak (Quercus phellos) regeneration in bottomland hardwood stands in southeastern Arkansas. (Masters thesis)
|
Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Efforts during this period reached the following audiences: natural resource managementprofessionals, landowners, researchers and students. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four undergraduate students, one graduate student,and one program technician were provided with training and work experience (e.g. data collection and data entry) on field research projects. The program technician has also been provided with additional training in research methods and study design, as well as the use of the following types of software: geographic information systems (ArcMap), statistical analysis (SAS), and growth and yield modeling (3-PG). The PI received professional development in the form of project meetings for NSF funded celllulose project in Winrock (January 2017) and Little Rock (May 2017). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research has been disseminated in the form of one peer-reviewed manuscripts, two proceedings papers fromprofessional meetings/conferences, and two oral presentations from professional meetings/conferences. More information on these may be found in the "Products" section. Additionally, two events were conducted: (1) UA Division of Ag Southeast Research & Extension Center Beef & Forage Field Day, October 24, 2017. Gave brief presentation / demonstration of methods used to monitor shade tree usage by beef cattle. (2) American Indian Science & Engineering Society Region 4 Conference in Fayetteville, AR, March 24-25, 2017. Gave brief presentation about my path to a science career, and career opportunities in natural resources. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I will continue to collect andanalyze data for all of the studies described above, and will prepare manuscripts for publication accordingly. I will also continue to look for opportunities to initiate new studies related to the specified objectives of my research plan.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: Trees and forest stands are subject to a wide array of environmental factors (e.g. climate and soils) and management actions (e.g. thinning and fertilization) which interact in often complex ways to determine growth and resource allocation. Physiological differences among species (and among varieties within species) may also result in differences in tree responses to these environmental factors and management actions, adding even more complexity to the story of growth and development. While much research has been done to lay a foundation of understanding for how trees and stands respond to these influences, many gaps in our knowledge still exist and require further study. For example, the effects of changing climates on many species' growth, allocation (i.e. partitioning of biomass among stem, branches, leaves, roots, and bark), and physical properties (e.g. specific gravity) are not yet fully understood. This research project seeks to fill several of these gaps through field experiments, and also to apply the knowledge gained from such experiments to improving growth and yield models, in order to better inform the management and utilization of forest resources in Arkansas and beyond. Objective 1: Evaluating tree growth, partitioning, and physical properties in response to growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (i) Wood samples wereanalyzed fromloblolly pine planted at 4 different spacings to evaluate their physical properties and suitability for nano-cellulose applications, in collaboration with engineering faculty at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Results indicate greater efficiency (in the form of higher wood density and cellulose concentration) may be possible by using wide spacings that minimize competition among trees and maximize growth rates. Also, an experiment has been initiated to evaluate the utility of snags (i.e. dead trees) in oak and pine stands as a source of nano-cellulose feedstock. (ii) Second-year data were collected and analyzed for astudy onthe effects of tree shelters and fertilization on the growth and survival of black walnut seedlings planted in canopy gaps. Results indicate that shelters improved tree growth, fertilizer also improved growth when used with shelters (but not without them), and exposure to early-afternoon sun reduced tree survival. (iii) A study is underway to evaluate the effects of spacing and genotype on poplar coppice production at a site near Little Rock, AR. Data collection was recentlycompleted andanalysis is pending, so no preliminary results are available at this time. Objective 2: Modeling stand productivity as a function of growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (i) Data were collected during the summer to evaluate and model relationships between shade tree properties (species, canopy size, etc.), temperature in the trees' shade, and usage of the trees' shade by beef cattle. Data were also collected to examine how shade tree usage by cattle relates to soil compaction under the shade trees, and also the weight gain,heat stress, and water consumptionof the cattle themselves. Preliminary results indicate the availability of shade trees increased weight gain and reduced heat stress of the cattle, while the remainder of the data is awaiting analysis. (ii) Study plots were established and initial measurements conducted for astudy of the effects of feral pigs on bottomland oak regeneration, with a goal of modeling the impacts of this invasive species on the stand dynamics of bottomland hardwood systems. A total of 40 exclosures were constructed (each in proximity to an open "control" plot) at sites across southern AR, trail cameras were set up to monitor hog visitation to the openplots, and acorn traps were placed in each exclosure and control plot. These data will be used to quantify the effects of acorn production rates and hog visitation rates on bottomland oak regeneration. Preliminary results are not available at this time. (iii) A study is underway to model stand growth in NRCS conservation easements, under different management scenarios (e.g. no management versus different types of thinning). Funding was just received for this study, so work for the current year has been focused on planning, with data collection and computer modeling planned for the next two years.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Foust AM, Headlee WL. 2017. Modeling shade tree use by beef cattle as a function of black globe temperature and time of day. International Journal of Biometeorology (in press).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Headlee WL, Stuhlinger HC, Foust AM. 2017. Enhancing black walnut seedling establishment in a northwest Arkansas creek bottom. In: Proceedings of the 19th Biennial Southern Silviculture Research Conference in Blacksburg, VA, March 13-16, 2017. (proceedings paper)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Liechty HO, Blazier MA, Headlee WL. 2017. Impacts of competition control on hardwood moisture availability and stress two years following afforestation of a retired sod farm. In: Proceedings of the 19th Biennial Southern Silviculture Research Conference in Blacksburg, VA, March 13-16, 2017. (proceedings paper)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Babst B, Lam J, Djioleu A, Foust A, Headlee W, Crooks P, Hestekin J. Feedstock evaluation and potential new uses of wood for cellulose nanocrystals. Society of American Foresters National Conference in Albuquerque, NM, November 15-19, 2017. (oral presentation)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Stuhlinger HC, Headlee W, Foust A, Trauger J. Using tree shelters and fertilizer tablets to improve black walnut seedling establishment in NW Arkansas. Society of American Foresters National Conference in Albuquerque, NM, November 15-19, 2017.(oral presentation)
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Progress 02/29/16 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Efforts during this period reached the following audiences: 1) Academics and professionals who readthe manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals. 2) Practitioners and researchers in attendance at the presentations and seminars resulting from the research. 3) Summer interns who worked on projects and gained experience doing research. 4) Landowners and practitioners involved in research projects and in attanedance at meetings / outreach activities. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two undergraduate students and one program technician were provided with training and work experience (e.g. data collection and data entry) on field research projectsduring the summer of 2016. In addition to this on-the-ground training, they also attended the Summer Research Institute in Hot Springs, AR, where they receieved instructionon varioustopics including data management and ethical research practices. The program technician has also been provided with additional training in research methods and study design, as well asthe use of the following types of software: geographic information systems (ArcMap), statistical analysis (SAS), and growth and yield modeling (3-PG). The PI received professional development in the form ofa natural resources teaching conference in Stevens Point, WI, an invited seminar presentation at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, andthe following research conferences:resource modeling conference in Flagstaff, AZ,short-rotation woody crops conference in Fort Pierce, FL, andnano-cellulose meeting in Little Rock, AR. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research has been disseminated in the form of three peer-reviewed manuscripts, three presentations at professional meetings/conferences, and two archived research datasets. More information on these may be found in the "Products" and "Other Products" sections. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?I plan to complete several of the studies described above (i.e. biomass equations for poplar trees, growth and yield modeling of three short-rotation woody crops) in the next reporting period. For the remaining studies, I will continue to collect and analyze data, and will prepare manuscripts for publication accordingly. I will also continue to look for opportunities to initiate new studies related to the specified objectives of my research plan.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Statement: Trees and forest stands are subject to a wide array of environmental factors (e.g. climate and soils) and management actions (e.g. thinning and fertilization) which interact in often complex ways to determine growth and resource allocation. Physiological differences among species (and among varieties within species) may also result in differences in tree responses to these environmental factors and management actions, adding even more complexity to the story of growth and development. While much research has been done to lay a foundation of understanding for how trees and stands respond to these influences, many gaps in our knowledge still exist and require further study. For example, the effects of changing climates on many species' growth, allocation (i.e. partitioning of biomass among stem, branches, leaves, roots, and bark), and physical properties (e.g. specific gravity) are not yet fully understood. This research project seeks to fill several of these gaps through field experiments, and also to apply the knowledge gained from such experiments to improving growth and yield models, in order to better inform the management and utilization of forest resources in Arkansas and beyond. Objective 1: Evaluating tree growth, partitioning, and physical properties in response to growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (1) Wood samples have been collected from various species and components (stem v. branches) in Arkansas (and selected species planted at different densities) to evaluate their physical properties and suitability for nano-cellulose applications, in collaboration with engineering faculty at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Preliminary results indicategreater efficiency (associated with ~10%higher wood density) may be possible by using branch material and/orlower planting densities. (2) A study is underway to use stable isotopes from various hybrid poplar trees to identify genetic differences in water-use efficiency, in collaboration with the US Forest Service. Preliminary results indicate significant differences exist among genotypes, which should allow differentiation of some varieties that can be recommended for drier sites and others for wetter sites. (3) Growth data has been collected from 2 out of 3 sites for a study on the long-term effects of fertilization and tip moth damage on loblolly pine trees. No preliminary results are available at this time. (4) A study has been initiated to evaluate the effects of tree shelters and fertilization on the growth and development of black walnut seedlings, which were planted in the spring and measured monthly over the course of the summer. First-year measurements indicate that seedling heights with shelters were nearly double those without shelters, while fertilizer effects were negligible. (5) Equations describing the biomass production and partitioning of poplar trees have been developed, with a manuscript in preparation and nearing submission to a peer-reviewed journal. These regional equations represent an improvement over generic national equations, which (depending on poplar variety) over- or under-estimated our regional tree biomass valuesby up to 50%. Objective 2: Modeling stand productivity as a function of growing conditions and management actions. Under this objective, the following have been accomplished: (1) A growth and yield model has been fit for three short-rotation woody crops, and is being used to generate spatially-explicit yield estimates for the Southeastern USA based on the range of climate and soils in the region, with a goal of generating productivity maps and economic analyses that will assist in selecting the optimal crops for specific growing conditions. Preliminary results indicate that productivity could be maximized by deploying the following: poplars on clayey soils in the upper Southeast, loblolly pine on sandy soils in the upper Southeast, and eucalypts (regardless of soil type) in the lower Southeast (primarily Florida). (2) A study is underway on the interactions between shade trees and livestock in pasture systems, with a goal of modeling the use of shade trees by beef cattle under increasing temperatures and the impacts of this activity on the growth and health of the trees themselves. Preliminary results indicate that both temperature and diurnal patterns are significant drivers of shade use, as well as behaviors such as eating and laying down, with higher temperatures producing increases in shade use and decreases in eating during specific times of day. (3) A study has been initiated to study the effects of feral pigs on bottomland oak regeneration, with a goal of modeling the impacts of this invasive species on the stand dynamics of bottomland hardwood systems. Preliminary results are not available at this time.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Foust AM, Headlee WL. 2016. Modeling shade tree use by beef cattle as a function of temperature and time of day. Oecologia (submitted).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Zalesny RS, Stanturf JA, Gardiner ES, Perdue JH, Young TM, Coyle DR, Headlee WL, Banuelos GS, Hass A. 2016. Ecosystem services of woody crop production systems. BioEnergy Research 9: 465-491.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Zalesny RS, Stanturf JA, Gardiner ES, Banuelos GS, Hallett RA, Hass A, Stange CM, Perdue JH, Young TM, Coyle DR, Headlee WL. 2016. Environmental technologies of woody crop production systems. BioEnergy Research 9: 492-506.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Headlee WL, Zalesny RS, Bauer EO, Birr BA. Differences among and within poplar genotypes for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin concentrations. 11th Biennial Short Rotation Woody Crops Operations Working Group, October 11-13, 2016, Fort Pierce, FL. (oral presentation)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Headlee WL. Spatially-explicit modeling of potential biomass productivity for poplars: progress, challenges, and opportunities. Seminar for Department of Forest and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University, March 23, 2016, Raleigh, NC. (invited seminar presentation)
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