Economics of Direct Seeding and Planting for Establishing Oak Stands on Old-Field Sites in the South

On old-field sites in the South, oak stands may be established by direct seeding of acorns, or by planting seedlings. Planting seedlings costs approximately 2 1/2 times the cost of direct seeding on a per acre basis, and based on our study of overall costs and returns, we conclude that in most cases the additional costs of planting are not justified by the additional benefits. Direct seeding is therefore an economically viable alternative to planting, although success with seeding requires careful selection of species/site combinations and proper seed handling and storage. South. J. Appl. For. 16(1):34-40.