Extension Efforts to Restore Bottomland Oaks Requires Knowledge of Both Trees and Soil

Authors

David Mercker, University of TennesseeFollow
Ryan Blair, University of TennesseeFollow
Don Tyler, University of TennesseeFollow
Arnold Saxton, University of TennesseeFollow
Joshua Smith, Southern Illinois UniversityFollow

Volume

50

Issue

6

DOI

10.34068/joe.50.06.08

Abstract

Bottomland oak restoration projects have been marginally successful because professionals often recommend conventional tree planting procedures that prove problematic in saturated soils. A reliable method of matching oak species to bottomland sites is needed prior to planting. In the study reported here, bottomland oaks were matched to hydric soils based on soil mottling. The findings suggest that as soil drainage improves, species diversity expands. Natural Resource Extension professionals should consider "active" methods of direct technical assistance and field demonstrations and "passive" methods of newsletters, publications, and pamphlets, as delivery methods to educate both landowners and professionals about this subject.

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Recommended Citation

Mercker, D., Blair, R., Tyler, D., Saxton, A., & Smith, J. (2012). Extension Efforts to Restore Bottomland Oaks Requires Knowledge of Both Trees and Soil. The Journal of Extension, 50(6), Article 8. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.50.06.08