Effects of Timber Harvest and Stand Improvement on Forage Production

Production of understory vegetation was measured on undisturbed areas and on areas having logging and timber stand improvement during the past 10 years on National Forest lands in southern Missouri. There was an increase in vegetative production following logging and stand improvement, especially in the pine (Pinus echinata) forest type. Increases were not, however, as great as anticipated. The type of timber management practiced in the Ozarks during the past 10 years has created small openings which did not appreciably reduce the overall crown cover or basal area; thus, forage production on the area as a whole was not greatly increased. More intensive removal of overstory is recommended to obtain maximum increases in forage.