Numbered Publications by Lhotka, John
FOR-162: Soil Scarification for Upland Oaks
John Lhotka | April 22, 2026 (New)
Soil scarification is a silvicultural practice applied in stand that lacks sufficient density of oak advance reproduction and where the lack of oak seedling establishment is, in part, attributed to thick litter layers. The practice involves the use of mechanized equipment to create a shallow soil disturbance that incorporates acorns into the upper soil horizons to increase acorn germination. This practice is thought to decrease predation and desiccation of acorns by protecting them within the soil and under the leaf litter. Soil scarification has also been shown to decrease competition from understory plants and reduce midstory tree density, the latter aiding in improving light conditions to encourage oak seedling development.
FOR-163: Midstory Removal for Upland Oaks
John Lhotka, Jeff Stringer | April 22, 2026 (New)
Midstory removal is designed to eliminate all or a majority of intermediate and overtopped crown class trees to increase size and survival of oak reproduction by increasing light availability to the forest floor.