Effects of overstory retention, herbicides, and fertilization on sub-canopy vegetation structure and functional group composition in loblolly pine forests restored to longleaf pine.

Highlights: [•] Canopy removal increases the abundance of mid-story and ground layer vegetation. [•] Canopy removal reduces pine needle cover, a potentially important fuel source. [•] Herbicide control of woody vegetation may improve vegetation structure. [•] Moderate canopy retention may benefit longleaf pine restoration objectives. [•] Soil texture may impact vegetation responses to restoration treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]