Longleaf-Leader-FALL-2021-2.qxp_Layout 1 9/16/21 10:38 AM Page 7
MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST | FALL 2021 • Apply fall site preparation herbicides: For maximum efficacy, foliar active herbicides such as glyphosate (Roundup®/Accord®) should be applied to pasture grasses before the first frost; while triclopyr (Garlon®) may be delayed until after the first frost for targeting waxy leaf competitors while minimizing impact to herbaceous groundcover.
• Plant longleaf: It is never too early to plant longleaf if the following conditions are met: the site is prepared, there is adequate soil moisture, seedlings are available, and a planting crew is available. • Order native seed for groundcover restoration: Seed from local ecotypes and endemic species is limited and expensive. Although some landowners and land managers have the time and expertise to collect their own, the most restoration will occur with seed purchases from the few seed companies that sell southeastern sourced seed.
• Allow time for soil active herbicides to break down before planting longleaf, especially when using imazapyr (Arsenal®/Chopper®) or Metsulfuron-methyl, (Escort®/Patriot®). The waiting period will vary based upon the rate applied, date applied, rainfall since application, and soil type.
• Thin longleaf stands: Drier conditions typical of the fall season favor pine thinning operations.
• Apply mechanical site preparation treatments: Scalp agricultural sites; remember to stay strictly on the contour and pick the scalper up regularly. Leaving water bars in the furrow will significantly reduce erosion. Subsoil or rip sites with hardpans, but remember, do not plant seedlings directly into the subsoiled/ripped furrow. Plant just beside the rip, and the taproot will find it.
• Before the first frost, make your fall herbicide application treatments to all invasives on your property, especially cogongrass or climbing fern. Recommended prescription is 2% glyphosate with surfactant, with thorough coverage, but avoiding any contact with green needles of longleaf (or other desirable plants).
• Clean up or establish fire lanes for site prep or fuel reduction burns.
• Consider wildlife: Avoid disturbance around intermittent wetlands as some amphibians, especially salamanders, move to seasonal breeding ponds when heavy rains occur. Use caution with any mechanical operations around gopher tortoise burrows, as any newly hatched tortoises will be nearby and shallow.
• Harvest native herbaceous seeds: Certain species, such as the Indiangrasses, ripen and fall in a very short time window (as little as 1 or 2 weeks). Wiregrass can lose all of its ripe seed if a cold front blows through. Be watchful and move quickly!
Reach out to The Longleaf Alliance with any questions you may have pertaining to establishing and managing longleaf stands at longleafalliance.org/contact. Longleaf forest on Blackwater River State Forest. Photo by Vernon Compton.
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