By Dr. Mark Turner (Oklahoma State University)
Presented on October 21, 2025
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING
Abstract: Prescribed fire commonly is used following canopy reduction to manage upland hardwoods for various objectives. There has been increased interest in the use of growing-season fire to open the burn window and promote different plant responses, but historically most fire has been implemented during the dormant season. We applied 6 prescribed fires during the early growing-season (EGS) and late growing-season (LGS) following a shelterwood harvest with reserves to stands in east Tennessee to evaluate understory vegetation, habitat for deer and turkeys, and oak regeneration. We found that tree and bramble coverage, as well as understory structure for turkey nesting and deer bedding, was greater following LGS fire. Deer forage biomass was increased with both fire treatments relative to a closed-canopy, unburned Control, but there was greater nutrition available following EGS fire. Deer and turkey detections generally were greatest following EGS fire relative to LGS or Control. Understory and midstory tree regeneration also differed by treatment. Shelterwood treatments without fire had a developed midstory dominated by mesophytes. Burned treatments had a limited midstory, with total oak and red oak understory stem counts being greatest following LGS fire. White oak understory stem counts were greater following EGS compared to Control, and both burn treatments decreased understory mesophytes. Our results suggest fire may be used during different portions of the growing season to meet management objectives in upland hardwoods.
