VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Johnson, James E."

Browsing by Author "Johnson, James E."

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Adoption of sustainable forestry practices by Non-Industrial Private Forest owners in Virginia
Rasamoelina, Maminiaina Solonirina (Virginia Tech, 2008-05-09)
The concept of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) has been promoted in the past few decades all over the world. Non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners play an important role in that aspect in the U.S. because of their number (about 16 millions), the size of forest land under their control (about half of all forest land in the continental US), and the dynamism of their population (increasing number of new owners). This study sought to better understand how NIPF owners come to a decision for adoption (or non-adoption) of SFM practices. We developed a theoretical model combining four theories (the Value-Belief-Norm theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Elaboration Likelihood Model, and the Innovation-Diffusion Process) to explain NIPF's decision making. Using multivariate analyses, we determined which elements of the developed theoretical model were significant in explaining adoption of eight groups of practices. Overall, some of the most significant predictors of adoption we identified were technical assistance, motivations for owning land and the use of a written management plan. Particular attention was also directed toward the eventual relationship between education and adoption of SFM practices and it was found that NIPF owners who attended educational programs tended to be likely adopters compared to those who did not attend any educational program. Since SFM was not limited to the US, we also analyzed the concept of SFM with the same goals as in the US, but under a completely different context (socio-cultural, economic and ecologic) in Africa, through the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) system. We used four case studies and focused on criteria such as participation, equity (both procedural and distributive, power devolution, trust, etc) to analyze how CBNRM works on the field, what lessons to take from the cases to better ensure the goal of sustainability of the resources.
Agroforestry opportunities and constraints in the Água de Gato Watershed, Santiago, Cape Verde Islands
Delgado, Orlando Jesus (Virginia Tech, 1996-08-23)
The objectives of this study were to determine the opportunities, constraints, and willingness of the inhabitants and non-resident landowners to adopt a new land-use system in the Agua de Gato Watershed, to determine the degree of agroforestry technical support available to farmers in the watershed, and to determine suitable agroforestry systems which can be adapted to the watershed according to its biological and physical conditions. A random group of farmers of the Agua de Gato Watershed and a group of technicians working on the island of Santiago were interviewed in order to get individual and general information about the farms the and practice of agroforestry in the watershed. Only 56% of the technicians knew or had some knowledge about agroforestry, and the farmers think that they do not have enough technical support for better development of agriculture in the watershed. Although most of the farmers had a small piece of land, averaging 1.1 ha, most of them, 92%, were willing to adopt an agroforestry system as a new land use system for their farms.
Carbon and nitrogen dynamics on a forest site receiving continual papermill sludge applications: a soil column study
Duncan, Carla S. (Virginia Tech, 1992-12-15)
Successful renovation of wastewater and sludge via land application depends upon sludge-induced soil changes associated with carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles within the soil/plant system. The C, N, and hydrologic cycles within a soil/sludge system receiving a year-round, daily application of paper mill sludge were studied. Soil samples were collected from three locations on a land application site in the Piedmont of Virginia that had received papermill sludge applications for six, two, and no prior years. The average application rate was 4.4 cm/wk, each week of the year, with a N loading of 700 kg N ha⁻¹yr-⁻¹. The column study showed that C and N were still accumulating on the land application site after 6 years, but at a decreasing rate. Based on this study, C accumulation will level out after 13 years of application, but N will continue to accumulate for almost 30 years. As application period increased, soil bulk density increased in the O, A, and B horizons, the percentage of non-capillary porosity fell below 10% in the A horizon and approached zero in the B horizon, and there was a dramatic decrease in the soil's hydraulic conductivity in both the A and B horizons. Nitrogen leaching is expected to increase with time due to high amounts of N in the papermill sludge, a continued narrowing of the C:N ratio, a high percentage of nitrification, and low denitrification rates. Experimental timing and rates of sludge additions were imposed to alter the aerobic/anaerobic properties of the soil system to determine the conditions under which optimum C and N mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification would occur. Application rates were factorially arranged for single or multiple doses on a daily or alternating schedule. The C decomposition and N mineralization processes were both optimized with an increase in the length of cycle; they were maximized with an alternating 9 days on/9 off application schedule. The nitrification potential also increased with the length of cycling, with an average nitrification rate of 96%. Denitrification was minimal in all treatments, with an average denitrification rate of 16%. This was primarily attributed to movement of nitrate-N below the most biologically active zone in the soil column. Sludge renovation will ultimately depend upon the excess N being sequestered in plant biomass or denitrified. Proper management of these processes will ensure that wastes decompose, and that N is stored or evolved as a benign gas rather than leached at unacceptable levels.
Characterization of the Vegetation and Soil of the Forest Communities at Camp Brookside in Summers County, West Virginia
Mitchem, David O. (Virginia Tech, 2004-12-07)
Camp Brookside, a seasonal island, is located on the floodplain of the New River in Summers County, West Virginia. This island hosts several rare plant species and a rare plant community known as a riverside flat rock plant community (FRPC). The FRPC is characterized by flat resistant sandstone shelves above water that are generally associated with rapids. Flooding has historically maintained the FRPC by scouring any soil off of the bedrock and leaving sand deposits in cracks or depressions. However, since the Bluestone Dam was built in 1950, organic material accumulation and soil development has gone unabated. Measurements were taken of the overstory, lower canopy, regeneration layers, and soils found at Camp Brookside. Our overstory data indicated that there are five distinct plant communities on the island. The FRPC has an overstory of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), and white ash (Fraxinus americana). The FRPC has an average soil depth of 1.8 cm, a loamy sand soil texture, and a soil pH of 3.9. A xeric pine community dominated by Virginia pine and eastern redcedar was found along the riverside portion of the island. Historically, this community was part of the FRPC. The xeric pine community has an average soil depth of 17.6 cm, a loamy sand soil texture, and a soil pH of 4.6. Our results indicate that soil and organic material is accumulating in the FRPC, and that some type of disturbance will be needed to maintain this community.
Coloring Christmas Trees Before Harvest
Johnson, James E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2015-03-19)
As the Christmas tree industry develops in Virginia, the production of larger quantities of trees places growers in a more competitive environment. This publication details the use of tree colorants in Christmas trees for increased quality.
Coloring Christmas Trees Before Harvest
Johnson, James E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2005-09-01)
As the Christmas tree industry develops in Virginia, the production of larger quantities of trees places growers in a more competitive environment. There are many characteristics of Christmas trees which are widely considered to be quality factors, but the most important are shape, needle retention, straightness, and color.
Development and evaluation of trapping studies for Hylobius pales (Herbst) and Pissodes nemorensis Germar (Coleoptera: curculionidae) in Virginia Christmas tree plantations
Fettig, Christopher John (Virginia Tech, 1996-02-05)
The pales weevil, Hylobius pales (Herbst), and the deodar weevil, Piss odes nemorensis Germar, are regeneration pests of pine plantations in the eastern United States. Attempts to sample regeneration weevils in Virginia have met with little success. Two trap types were field tested to determine their effectiveness in sampling H. pales and P. nemorensis populations in Virginia Christmas tree plantations. Labor intensive pit traps, using natural host materials and synthetic volatiles, caught significantly more weevils than PVC pitfall traps baited with synthetic volatiles alone. No differences in trap catches were observed between stationary and rotated traps. Vegetation management had no effect on trap catch. However, it was observed that newly planted white pine seedlings (Pinus strobus L.) were fed upon by H. pales at Significantly higher rates in plots not managed for competing vegetation than in herbicide treated plots. Feeding activity in mowed plots was intermediate. Trap catch did not correlate with seedling damage within or among sampling periods, or between years. The seasonal activity of both species is reviewed in detail. Mark-and-recapture techniques used to assess trap efficacy showed traps baited with pine material were most effective, irrespective of trap type. The response of H. pales adults to different ethanol-and-turpentine ratios in a laboratory bioassay did not vary with respect to gender or age. No gender differences in response to treatments were observed in these studies.
The development of a model to be utilized in the evaluation of the telephone as a vehicle for nutrition information
Robbins, Jean C. (Virginia Tech, 1981-07-04)
The purpose of this study was to design a model to evaluate the influence of selected factors on the performance of a telephone delivery system for nutrition information and use the model to evaluate the performance of the Roanoke Dietetic Association Dial-A-Dietitian program. The Dial-A-Dietitian program was established to provide nutrition information to the public by Registered Dietitians. The model entailed a systems approach to evaluate the Roanoke Dietetic Association Dial-A-Dietitian program. The five phases of the model included Enabling Factors (inputs), the Interaction Process, Effort Factors (outputs), Performance (outcome), and Feedback. Feedback entailed the utilization of the results of the evaluation in the decision-making process for future Dial-A-Dietitian programs and their operation. The evaluation instruments, the Encounter Form and the Telephone Survey of clients, included reaction statements and attitude assessment of clients and dietitians. The data were analyzed with frequency distributions. Also the Chi Square Tests of Independence were computed to determine the relationship between the independent variables, Enabling Factors (Phase 1) and Effort Factors (Phase 3), and the dependent variable, Performance (Phase 4). The model was useful in the evaluation of the Dial-A-Dietitian program. The data analysis indicated that the Dial-A-Dietitian program was effective as measured by this model.
Economics of Producing an Acre of White Pine Christmas Trees
Johnson, James E.; Leuschner, William A.; Burchinal, Frank E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2005-09-01)
This publication is an example of costs and returns that could be expected from growing one acre of white pine Christmas trees in Virginia. This survey included a wide variety of growers, from small, part-time operations to large commercial enterprises. The costs and returns used in this report are typical of Virginia conditions, but are unlikely to ideally match any single operation.
The Effect of Management on Erosion of Civil War Battlefield Earthworks
Azola, Anthony (Virginia Tech, 2001-02-01)
Since 1936 National Park Service has been charged with preserving Civil War Earthworks while allowing public access. Soil erosion, both natural and human-induced, is a major concern facing the preservation of the earthworks. Currently, the National Park Service is committed to preserving these earthworks for future generations by determining which maintenance activities cause the least soil erosion. This study was undertaken to determine which management practice; burned, mowed, park-forest, forested, or trimmed, best minimized soil erosion. A secondary objective was to determine how several empirical formulas (e.g. Universal Soil Loss Equation) and one field estimate (e.g. erosion pins) compared soil erosion trends for the 5 treatments. A third objective of this study was to gather information regarding the soil development which has occurred during the 135 + years since the earthworks were constructed. Earthworks managed by prescribed burning suffered the greatest erosion rates while the forested earthworks eroded the least. The trimmed and mowed management regimes were not significantly different and would provide adequate erosion protection while the forested treatment had significantly less erosion. Based on the empirical models, erosion was primarily a function of ground cover; on the other hand, rain intensity was highly influential for erosion as measured by the erosion pins. All of the erosion estimation methods concurred that the burned treatment should be avoided due to the high erosion rates while the erosion pins indicated that the park-forest treatment could potentially have erosion problems as well. Soil profile descriptions from the earthworks revealed that A horizon depths on the earthworks were not significantly different then the A horizons found on the relatively undisturbed adjacent forest floor and that subsurface soil structure has begun to develop on earthwork soils.
Effects of European Gypsy Moth Defoliation in Mixed Pine-Hardwood Stands in the Atlantic Coastal Plain
Davidson, Christopher Bryn (Virginia Tech, 1997-10-28)
As populations of the European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) move into the southeast, laboratory studies indicate that the potential exists for defoliation and possible tree mortality in mixed pine-hardwood stands. This dissertation describes a field study that was initiated to determine the susceptibility and vulnerability of pure and mixed stands of loblolly pine, oaks and sweetgum in pine-oak and pine-sweetgum cover types in the Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic province. Sixteen stands were defoliated between 1992 and 1996. Stand susceptibility was significantly related to stand composition; stands with a greater proportion of susceptible species experienced greater defoliation. Oaks and sweetgum were heavily defoliated. Pines did not suffer extensive defoliation, and results of the study indicate that the probability of widespread gypsy moth defoliation in pine plantations appears to be low. A multiple linear regression model for the prediction of mean stand defoliation is also presented. Trends in tree mortality were similar to those previously described in northeastern forests. Susceptible tree species were heavily impacted, however, oaks displayed greater vulnerability than sweetgum. Suppressed and intermediate trees in the understory, and trees that were in poor or fair condition, had a greater probability of dying subsequent to defoliation. However, under- and overstory basal area mortality rates were not significantly different in the pine-oak type, and stem mortality rates were not significantly different in either type. Loblolly pine mortality was observed, but it was difficult to isolate the source, and thereby determine whether gypsy moth defoliation was a primary causal factor. In general, the potential for extensive pine mortality in mixed pine-hardwood stands does not appear to exist. Logistic regression was found to be a useful tool in the prediction of individual tree mortality and two logistic regression equations were derived and validated for use in pine-oak and pine-sweetgum cover types.
The effects of fertilization and release on growth, physiology, nutrition, and sapwood quality of young yellow-poplar
Bollig, John Joseph (Virginia Tech, 1994-07-06)
The effects of crop tree release and fertilization of young yellow-poplar on low and medium quality Southern Appalachian sites were compared. In June of 1989 96 individual 10 year-old yellow-poplar crop stems were treated in factorial combinations. The crop trees were either released, using a 4% triclopyr ester in kerosene basal spray. fertilized with 224, 291 and 243 kg/ha of N, P, and K; released and fertilized, or left untreated. These treatments were repeated in June of 1992. In 1992, treatments were slightly different. Crop trees were released mechanically, and only nitrogen was applied at 224 kg/ha. After five years, only release resulted in significant growth responses. Released trees responded positively to increased sunlight and horizontal space by increasing their uptake of nitrogen and iron - elements essential for photosynthesis. This led to an increase in foliage production, and presumably, an increase in total photosynthesis. Released trees reacted to the increased growing space by filling in the space created by release. Released trees increased both diameter and crown volume growth; unfortunately, they did so at the expense of height growth, which was decreased by crop tree release. Current stem wood volume, was therefore not increased.
Effects of understory vegetation manipulation on hardwood regeneration recruitment and growth in southern Appalachian forests
Thompson, Jesse Warren (Virginia Tech, 1996)
The successful regeneration of mature oak (Quercus spp.) forests is thought to be dependent on the presence of oak advance regeneration. However, the advance regeneration must be of sufficient size and density for oak to be competitive and become a dominant species after harvest. The presence of a dense midstory canopy of shade tolerant species has been implicated with the poor development of oak advance regeneration. Understory Vegetation Control was conducted in 1994 in average quality (SI₅₀ 17.7 - 21.9 m for upland oak) southern Appalachian forest stands to determine the effects on oak (Quercus spp.) and maple (Acer spp.) advance seedling abundance, growth, and development. Three study sites were located in southwest Virginia, and the following two treatments were implemented at each site: Understory Vegetation Control (UVC) and Control. Permanent sampling plots and individual seedlings were located to quantify the density, recruitment, and growth of advance regeneration. Competing vegetation was significantly reduced after one year by the UVC treatment, where the mean relative change in the sum of the heights of competing stems between 1 and 5 m in height was -15.9 percent for the UVC plots vs. 22.8 percent for the Control plots. Neither oak seedling recruitment nor height growth was enhanced by the UVC treatment after one year. Insufficient time has elapsed to allow for a growth response, or to determine if seedling recruitment will be enhanced by UVC. Several years may be required to determine if the UVC treatment can enhance the growth and competitive status of oak regeneration.
An Evaluation of Ecosystem Management and Its Application to the National Environmental Policy Act: The Case of the U.S. Forest Service
Phillips, Claudia Goetz (Virginia Tech, 1997-03-02)
This research develops a plausible interpretation of NEPA's intent based on a thorough review and synthesis of NEPA documents and the literature. From this synthesis, NEPA goals and criteria are developed to evaluate a sample of Forest Service Forest Plans and their corresponding EISs. Next, ecosystem management is defined based on a review and synthesis of the literature. Ecosystem management evaluation goals and criteria are similarly developed to evaluate the Forest Plans and EISs. Based on NEPA and ecosystem management criteria, evaluation questions are formulated for assessing the Forest Plans in order: (1) to evaluate the extent the Forest Service has implemented ecosystem management; (2) to ascertain whether and to what degree Forest Service implementation of ecosystem management has moved its EIS process closer to NEPA's intent; and (3) to assess the extent ecosystem management implementation has influenced agency planning and decisionmaking processes. Throughout, the literature is used extensively to support conclusions reached on the basis of the case findings. Forest Service EISs and Forest Plans used for the case analyses are: 1) The 1986 George Washington National Forest Final EIS and Forest Plan (pre-ecosystem management) and the 1993 George Washington National Forest Final EIS and Revised Forest Plan (post-ecosystem management). 2) The 1985 Francis Marion National Forest Final EIS and Forest Plan (pre-ecosystem management) and the 1996 Francis Marion National Forest Final EIS and Revised Forest Plan (post-ecosystem management). Trends based on the post-ecosystem management evaluations that evidence the agency's implementation of ecosystem management principles include: maintenance of biodiversity of all species; adoption of measures to sustain ecosystem health; acknowledgment of ecosystem patterns and processes; increased integration of scientific research and technology; incorporation of adaptive management; and increased integration of ecological, economic and social considerations. There were several practices, however, in the post-ecosystem management cases that did not support ecosystem management principles: limited incorporation of different geologic or long-term time scales; continued delineation of boundaries along political lines; no integrative, interdisciplinary approach to planning; and no or minimal educational programs. Post-ecosystem management Forest Service practices that support NEPA's intent include: earlier identification of critical impacts; better management of critical impacts; increased integration of ecological information and a broader understanding of sustainability; increased provisions for monitoring and evaluation; better reflection of reviewing agency and public comments and concerns; more influence of environmental data on project decisions; increased consideration of unquantifiable issues; and better integration of ecological, economic and social considerations through a decisionmaking framework. There were several practices, however, in the post-ecosystem management cases that did not support NEPA's intent: EISs had a lower estimation of the magnitude or significance of impacts than the earlier EISs; no evidence supporting a broad, integrative, interdisciplinary approach to planning process; and no evidence of two-way, consensus building stakeholder involvement in the EIS process. Overall, the case analyses provide evidence that the Forest Service's EIS process had, in fact, moved closer to NEPA's intent. This improved output is primarily the result of the agency's incorporation of many of the principles of ecosystem management into its decisionmaking process. Although, NEPA did not figure into the integration of an ecosystem management approach into the Forest Service's decisionmaking process, this research showed that the goals of NEPA and ecosystem management are essentially the same. The agency came to advocate ecosystem management as the outcome of a voluntary decision and an incremental process to improve its overall planning and management process. Implementation of ecosystem management led to a more substantive response to NEPA's intent. Forest Service decisionmaking is a political process that involves balancing competing agency, private industry, and public interests. "Change agents" come from diverse sources-from within the agency's institutional structure (both top-down and bottom-up); from within the federal governmental framework (e.g., other agency policies, Congressional decisions, budgetary constraints); from outside the federal government (state and local governmental agencies, public and private interest groups); and from an uncertain and dynamic political and economic environment. Therefore, forest planning and its associated NEPA analyses must be considered a part of a never-ending and evolving process. Consequently, the Forest Service would do well to take an adaptive approach in its decisionmaking process-an approach compatible with ecosystem management.
Forest Landowner's Guide To The Measurement Of Timber And Logs
Johnson, James E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-07-13)
The measurement of standing timber and logs may seem strange and complicated to you, and it is possible that you may be quoted dramatically different prices based upon differing estimates of the amount of timber you have and the units of measurement used. Methods of measuring timber and the units of measurement often differ between buyers, and, as a seller, you should have an understanding of these methods, the units of measurement, and an idea as to a reasonable price for your timber.
Forest Landowner’s Guide To The Measurement Of Timber And Logs
Johnson, James E.; Gagnon, Jennifer L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020)
Many factors determine your stumpage value, but the most important are the species of trees you have, the quality and size of the trees, the location of your woodlot, the prevailing market conditions, the terrain, and the amount of wood you have to sell.
Forest Landowner’s Guide To The Measurement Of Timber And Logs
Johnson, James E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020-07-01)
it is possible that you may be quoted dramatically different prices based upon different estimates of the amount of timber you have and the units of measurement used. Methods of measuring timber and the units of measurement often differ between buyers, and, as a seller, you should understand these methods, the units of measurement, and have an idea as to a reasonable price for your timber.
Forest soil and vegetation characteristics in two forest types following wildfire in the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Groeschl, David A. (Virginia Tech, 1991-01-05)
A wildfire of variable intensity occurred in mid-July of 1988 in the Shenandoah National Park and adjacent private lands. This study was established to measure post-fire forest soil and vegetation characteristics in both the mixed pine and mixed oak forest types occurring on Dovel Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Vegetation and soil results represent one (1989) and two (1990) growing seasons following fire occurrence in the mixed pine forest type, whereas only second year results are reported for the mixed oak forest type. Forest floor and mineral soil parameters differed among burn levels and followed similar trends for both forest types. Forest floor depth and weight were significantly less on low and high burn areas as compared to unburned areas. Low intensity fires removed the Oi-Oe layer while leaving the Oa layer relatively intact. Conversely, high intensity fifes resulted in the consumption of the entire forest floor. Total carbon, nitrogen, and nutrient differences between low and unburned areas for the entire forest floor (Oi-Oe + Oa) were negligible. However, loss of these constituents were much greater following high intensity fifes. Differences in the surface 10 cm of mineral soil were also detected following following high intensity fifes. Differences in the sulface 10 cm of mineral soil were also detected following low and high intensity fires. Mineral soil acidity was lower while exchangeable cation concentrations were higher in burned areas compared to unburned areas. Total carbon and nitrogen levels were higher in low burn areas, whereas total carbon and nitrogen levels were lower on high bum areas. Inorganic nitrogen levels were higher in both low and high burn areas compared to unburned areas.
Function, Design, and Establishment of Riparian Forest Buffers: A Review
Klapproth, Julia Caldwell (Virginia Tech, 1999-02-08)
Through the interaction of their soils, hydrology, and biotic communities, riparian forests protect and improve water quality, provide habitat for plants and animals, support aquatic communities, and provide many benefits to humans. Virginia, along with other states in the Chesapeake Bay region, has recognized the importance of riparian forests by implementing a plan to restore forested buffers along streams, rivers, and lakes. This project reviews selected literature on riparian forest buffers, including water quality functions, benefits to fish and wildlife, and human benefits. The review also discusses riparian buffer restoration and some of the costs and barriers associated with riparian forest buffer establishment. Information on financial and technical assistance programs available to Virginia landowners is included.
A handbook for forest vegetation management in recreation and historic parks
Helm, Amy Cimarolli; Johnson, James E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1995)
Most recreational and historical parks have a significant portion of their land area in forest cover. Forest vegetation is natural, aesthetically pleasing, and forms a comfortable, shady environment for recreational and interpretive purposes (Figure 1). However, often the forest that nature provides does not meet all park objectives; therefore, some vegetation management practices are necessary. Maintaining healthy, vigorous forests that meet specific park objectives requires a consideration of the ecology of the species involved, and a pro-active management policy. Simply allowing "nature to take its course" may not be satisfactory. This handbook provides information on general forest ecology for parks in the Southeastern United States, as well as management advice for achieving many objectives common to recreational and historical parks in the region. Maintaining healthy forests, dealing with exotic species, controlling turf and meadow areas, and creating screens and windbreaks are all common issues faced by many park managers. These and more are addressed in this handbook. The information in this handbook draws heavily from published literature, the experience of the authors, and the suggestions of various reviewers and park managers. This handbook is generic; therefore, it may not conform to specific guidelines and regulations of all state and federal park agencies. For historical parks especially, the sections on earthwork preservation, historic scene restoration, and agricultural use areas will be useful.

Browsing by Author "Johnson, James E."

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