Comparing planted longleaf pine growth response to prescribed fire and mowing treatments
Overview
Objectives
Compare how early treatments of prescribed fire and mowing in planted longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) plantations differently affect pine growth.
Provide landowners with a better understanding of how silvicultural actions affect longleaf pine establishment and growth.
Summary / Lessons Learned / Additional Thoughts
As of the 2024 tree measurements (Age 6), the study showed that prescribed fire reduced longleaf pine growth by 9.6% while mowing had no negative or beneficial effect on growth (nonsignificant 3.6% reduction). There is no indication that survival was affected by either treatment. Understory measurements will be reported soon.
Long Description of Practice
The whole stand was planted to longleaf pine in January of 2018 using Florida containerized longleaf pine (Andrews Nursery Chiefland). The previous stand was a mature loblolly pine stand clearcut in 2015. Site preparation was raking and piling of debris. Prescribed fire was first applied in May-June 2022. Herbicide and mowing was conducted in October of 2022. Mowing and herbicide occurred between rows only. The herbicide treatment was dropped from the tree growth analysis because of negative effects on longleaf pine (see below).
Results
Tree Diameters Table
| Date (month / year) | Species | Control (inches) | Fire (inches) | Mow (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2025 | Longleaf pine | 8.3 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
Silvicultural Application(s) Used in Study
What did the study investigate?
If silviculture included a harvest, what type(s)?
Information not provided.
Silvicultural Action(s) Timings and Types / Intensities
Date |
Silvicultural Action |
Study Focus? |
| 16/06/2022 | Prescribed fire | Yes |
| Mowing | Yes |
Are there any local forest health threats to your target species?
No
Plans for Future Treatments
Prescribed fire and mowing will be applied again 2025.
Plans for Future Measurements
Biennial measurements of tree characteristics will continue. Understory biomass and diversity are being monitored. Branch senescence measurements are planned.