Exclosure size affects young blue oak seedling growth

Phillips, R; McDougald, N; Atwill, E; UC Davis, D

Exclosure size affects young blue oak seedling growth

Authors

Ralph L. Phillips
Neil K. McDougald
Edward R. Atwill
Doug UC Davis

Authors Affiliations

R.L. Phillips was Range/Natural Resources and Livestock Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), Kern and Tulare counties (now retired); N.K. McDougald is Area Watershed Management Advisor, UCCE Madera and Fresno counties; E. R. Atwill is Professor of Environmental Animal Health and Medical Ecology, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis; D. McCreary is Area Natural Resource Specialist, Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center, Browns Valley. Melvin George, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis, served as Guest Associate Editor for this article.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 61(1):16-19. DOI:10.3733/ca.v061n01p16. January 2007.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

Blue oak, a tree native only to California, is notoriously slow-growing, and its low regeneration rate has prompted concern about the species' future survival in some areas of the state. We studied the use of fencing (exclosures) to protect seedlings from herbivores and promote faster growth. Placing exclosures 2 and 4 feet in diameter around blue oak seedlings increased their height and canopy area when compared to a control without exclosures. The 4-foot exclosures increased growth (height and canopy area) compared to the 2-foot exclosures. It appeared that exclosures reduced damage from both wild and domestic herbivores, resulting in accelerated growth rates.

References

McCreary DD. 2001. Regenerating Rangeland Oaks in California. UC ANR Pub 21601. p 27–53.

Phillips RL, McDougald NK. Exclosure size influences rodent damage to blue oaks. Oaks N Folks. 1998. 13(2):3-

Pinheiro JC, Bates DM. Mixed-Effects Models in S and S-Plus. 2000. New York: Springer. p. 201-66.

Also in this issue:

The Predictive Models and Procedures Used in the Forest Stand Generator (STAG)

Taking the university to the people

Letters: January-March 2007

Expanded research to target E. coli outbreaks

Oaks: Research and outreach to prevent woodland loss

Treatments could slow spread of sudden oak death

Blue oak seedling age influences growth and mortality

The Coyote Lure Operative Device revisited: A fresh look at an old idea

California cotton growers utilize integrated pest management

High spring temperatures decrease peach fruit size

Quality evaluations should not be taken for granted

California teachers support the Nutrition Competencies new nutrition instruction guidelines