The University of West Florida Campus Ecosystem Study: age-diameter and growth relationships of longleaf pine using hurricane-induced windthrows

The campus of the University West Florida (UWF) was constructed among second-growth longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) stands that survived extensive logging in Panhandle. Previous studies on main UWF have estimated, based a model from old-growth southern Georgia, oldest stems were just under 200 yr old and > 80% are between 50 125 years old. More accurate age data can be obtained disks collected locally recently fallen trees. On 16 September 2020, Hurricane Sally impacted as Category 2 storm, with winds reaching 49 m/sec. Our study took advantage blowdowns by to obtain cross-sections for determinations. Two natural areas chosen sampling: Edward Ball Nature Trail Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary. For each sampled section, diameter at breast height (DBH) number width annual rings recorded. Based total trees, linear regression revealed statistically significant (P < 0.00001; R2 = 0.82) relationship DBH age. Applying this measurements 2,165 indicates pines ~ 130 (mean 63.9 ± 0.4 yr), consistent cessation historically widespread harvesting region. Mean Trails site (55.7 1.6 yr) significantly lower than Sanctuary (66.7 2.0 suggesting they represent sites contrasting land-use history. Annual growth rates older mostly negatively correlated temperature. Directions stem windthrows did not vary characteristics eyewall strongest wind gusts moving southeast northwest direction. This confirms college/university campuses used units ecological way takes stochastic events such tropical cyclones.