Population Dynamics of Old-Field Pines

Three shortleaf pine ‘sprouts’ surrounding a fire girdled central stem. The unique sprouting ability of shortleaf pine allows it to persist under frequent fire regimes.

Loblolly and shortleaf are the two most common pine species found on abandoned agricultural lands in north Florida and south Georgia. In contrast to longleaf pine, both are prolific seeders and able to rapidly colonize open areas they border. While managers have been able to work with existing open-canopied stands that resemble the structure of longleaf communities, regeneration has been a major challenge on frequently burned lands. Shortleaf is unique among the upland pines in that it sprouts from the root collar when aboveground parts are damaged, a response that is often induced by fire. This study seeks to document changes in tree species composition related to prescribed burning, and to inform the development of silvicultural strategies that can sustain these communities.