scholarly journals Growth and Yield Relative to Competition for Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation—A Southeastern United States Regional Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Miller ◽  
Bruce R. Zutter ◽  
Shepard M. Zedaker ◽  
M. Boyd Edwards ◽  
Ray A. Newbold
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Regional Study ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Complete Control ◽  
High Severity ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Mean Annual Increment

Abstract Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations were studied across 13 southeastern sites grown for 15 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3–5 yr. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of the response surface that encompasses most competition conditions common to pine plantations. This is the second of two companion reports. Merchantable pine volume after 15 yr with early, near complete competition control reached 2,350–4,415 ft3/ac by site compared to 1,132–2,965 ft3/ac on the no controls. With control of both woody and herbaceous competition, 15 yr volumes were increased by 23–121% and gains increased as hardwoods and shrubs increased on the no controls. Early woody control increased merchantable pine volume on 11 sites by 14–118%, while herbaceous control yielded somewhat less on average, a 17–50% increase on ten sites. No gains and some volume losses occurred when control of one component released severe competition from an enhanced remaining component, otherwise gains were generally additive for control of both components. Pine volume was decreased by about 1% for each 1 ft2/ac of hardwood basal area (BA) present at age 15. Annual measurements determined that culmination of current annual increment (CAI) with control of both competition components occurred in yr 8–11 at 250–470 ft3/ac/yr. CAIs for pine height, BA, and volume were decreased by about 5–27% when growing season rainfall (March–October) was less than 36 in. Mean annual increment had not culminated for any treatment at any location by yr 15 and ranged from 195–250 ft3/ac/yr with both woody and herbaceous control. Fusiform rust mainstem galls [Cronartium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme (Hedge. & Hunt) Burdsall & Snow] in high severity areas increased additively with control of both components, more so with herb control. Contrary to the widespread assumption that hardwood out-compete pine, the hardwood proportion of stand BA decreased from yr 5–15 on sites where hardwood BA in yr 5 exceeded 10 ft2. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):237–252.

scholarly journals Loblolly Pine—Pushing the Limits of Growth

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce E. Borders ◽  
Robert L. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Complete Control ◽  
Vegetation Control ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Yield Production ◽  
The World ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Production Areas

Abstract With mean annual increments up to 5.4 cords/ac/yr, six loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) research sites in Georgia produced yields on par with other results from intensively managed loblolly plantations around the world. Cultural treatments in the Georgia study include complete control of vegetation other than the planted pines with multiple applications of herbicide, annual fertilization, the combination of complete vegetation control and annual fertilization, and an intensive mechanical site preparation treatment. Complete vegetation control resulted in higher yield production at ages 10 to 12 yr than the intensive mechanical treatment at all locations. This regime also resulted in higher yield production than the annual fertilization treatment at four of six locations. Volume mean annual increment for 10- to 12-yr-old plantations with the combination treatment of complete vegetation control and annual fertilization ranged from 325 to 490 ft3/ac, growth rates comparable to those obtained at other high biomass production areas throughout the world. Our economic evaluation based on these results shows that 8 to 12% real rates of return are feasible from investments in intensive loblolly pine plantations in the southeastern United States. South. J. Appl. For. 25(2):69–74.

scholarly journals A Growth and Yield Model Incorporating Hardwood Competition for Natural Loblolly Pine Stands in the Georgia Piedmont

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey W. Martin ◽  
Graham H. Brister
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Yield Model ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Projection Equations ◽  
Georgia Piedmont ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Using 5 yr remeasurement data from even-aged natural loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands in the Georgia Piedmont, a system of growth equations was developed to project pine yield over time that accounts for hardwood competition. In this system, the increase in the proportion of hardwood basal area over time is estimated, then the projected pine basal area and trees per acre are adjusted inversely to account for this increase. The parameter estimates for this system ensure compatibility between volume prediction and projection equations and the proportion of hardwood basal area, pine basal area, dominant height, and trees per acre projection equations. The whole-stand growth and yield system developed here coupled with published merchantable yield equations allow for the evaluation of the impact of hardwoods on future stand yield and product distributions. The results indicate that the impact of hardwood competition on pine yield is substantial and occurs mainly as a reduction in sawtimber volume. South. J. Appl. For. 16(3):179-185.

scholarly journals Stand Dynamics and Plant Associates of Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation after Early Intensive Vegetation Management—A Southeastern United States Regional Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Miller ◽  
Bruce R. Zutter ◽  
Ray A. Newbold ◽  
M. Boyd Edwards ◽  
Shepard M. Zedaker
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Stand Dynamics ◽  
Lag Phase ◽  
Regional Study ◽  
Plant Component ◽  
Complete Control ◽  
Woody Vines

Abstract Increasingly, pine plantations worldwide are grown using early control of woody and/or herbaceous vegetation. Assured sustainable practices require long-term data on pine plantation development detailing patterns and processes to understand both crop-competition dynamics and the role of stand participants in providing multiple attributes such as biodiversity conservation and wildlife habitat. This study examined loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations across 13 southeastern sites grown for 15 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3–5 yr compared to no plant control. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of a response surface that encompasses most conditions of woody and herbaceous competition common to pine plantations in the region. This is the first of two companion reports. After 15 yr, patterns of stand development remained significantly altered by early control treatments and were influenced most by the amounts of hardwoods and shrubs present or controlled. Herbaceous components were more similar across the region. Associated plants in these plantations included 68 species of trees, 33 species/genera of shrubs, and 140 genera of herbaceous and semiwoody plants, woody vines, clubmoss, and ground lichen—241 total taxa or an estimated 490 total species—more richness than previously reported or assumed. Hardwood rootstock numbers were on average maintained at fairly constant levels from yr 1–15 when not controlled, with no initial lag phase evident for reestablishment, indicating prior stand origin. Dynamics of associated vegetation were significantly altered with woody control initially increasing herbaceous cover, while herbaceous control increased hardwood cover and decreased shrub cover. After early herbaceous control, hardwood basel area (BA) was increased by an average of 28%. After rapid early colonization, herbaceous plants began to decline on all treatments about yr 8 as pine and/or hardwood canopy cover reached a total of 50–60%, while woody vines continued to increase. By age 15, plant component richness remained significantly changed by early treatments at all locations, most notably fewer tree species after early woody control. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):221–236.

scholarly journals A New Whole-Stand Model for Unmanaged Loblolly and Slash Pine Plantations in East Texas

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean W. Coble
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
East Texas ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Yield Model

Abstract A new compatible whole-stand growth-and-yield model to predict total tree cubic-foot volume per acre yield (outside and inside bark) was developed for unmanaged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations in East Texas. This model was compared with the noncompatible whole-stand model of Lenhart (<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15-2127">Lenhart, 1996</xref>, Total and partial stand-level yield prediction for loblolly and slash pine plantations in east Texas, South. J. Appl. For. 20(1):36–41) and the <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15-2127">Lenhart (1996)</xref> model refit to current data. For the two species, all three models were evaluated with independent observed data. The model developed in this study outperformed both Lenhart models in prediction of future yield and basal area per acre for all age classes combined and by 5-year age classes. The Lenhart models consistently overestimated yield and basal area per acre. All three models predicted surviving trees per acre similarly. An example is also provided to show users how to use the new whole-stand model.

Postthinning growth and yield of row-thinned and selectively thinned loblolly and slash pine plantations

1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. C. Baldwin Jr. ◽  
D. P. Feduccia ◽  
J. D. Haywood
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Unit Area ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Diameter Increment ◽  
Study Results

This study compared growth responses in planted loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) and slash pine (P. elliottii Engelm.) stands thinned by using three row-felling methods and at the same density levels, three selective felling methods. The study plots were in six plantations, aged 15–22 years, located in central Louisiana. Growth was measured 5 and 10 years after plot installation. Site index varied from 19.5 to 31.7 m (base age 50) and initial planting densities ranged from 1993 to 2989 trees/ha. Study results show there will likely be less diameter increment and less net basal area and cubic-metre volume per unit area growth and yield, and the growth will be in smaller-sized trees, if row thinning is used rather than selective thinning from below. These differences will probably be greater in slash pine plantations than in loblolly pine plantations.

Color Aerial Photography for Assessing the Need for Fertilizers in Loblolly Pine Plantations

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Blinn ◽  
Al Lyons ◽  
Edward R. Buckner
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Aerial Photography ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Color Coding ◽  
Foliar N ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Abstract Color aerial photography was used to assess crown color classes in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Three distinct Munsell color classes were delineated on the resulting photographs. Foliar N levels and, to a lesser degree, foliar K levels were directly related to color. Significant relationships between color and site index and color and basal area were shown. Application of color aerial photography, combined with Munsell color coding, could expedite land classification and also make possible more efficient use of fertilizers. South J. Appl. For. 12(4):270-273.

scholarly journals Stand Density Index for Loblolly Pine Plantations in North Louisiana

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger A. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Density Index ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Stand Density Index ◽  
North Louisiana

Abstract Stand Density Index (SDI) equations and diagrams were developed and presented for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in north Louisiana. Two different SDI diagrams are presented—one that utilizes the number of trees per acre and average stand diameter, and a second that uses the number of trees per acre and the basal (ft²) per acre. Basal area is presented as a second alternative to average stand diameter since many practicing foresters commonly use basal area for density management. South. J. Appl. For. 20(2):110-113.

scholarly journals A Loblolly Pine Seedling-Grade by Genotype Study

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. South ◽  
James L. Rakestraw
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Sib Families ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Mean Annual Increment ◽  
Percentage Point Difference

Abstract A loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedling grade study was established in January 1987 on a Coastal Plain site at Bellville, Georgia. The factorial study involved three seedling grades (Wakeley's Grade 1, 2, and 3) and three half-sib families (#5, 25, 56). Trees were measured at ages 8 and 13 yr. Both family and seedling grade affected survival, height, and diameter at age 8 yr. Survival among families varied by as much as 3 percentage points while there was a 10 percentage point difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 seedlings. Only family was related to height and diameter at age 13. Volume gains from planting Grade 1 seedlings instead of Grade 3 seedlings varied by family but there were no significant interactions between family and seedling grade. Differences in height among families and among seedling grades decreased over time. At age 8, there was a 5.3 ft difference between the tallest and shortest family but by age 13, the difference declined to 3.7 ft.Overall, planting family 56 instead of family 25 resulted in an additional 645 ft3/ac by age 13. Planting Grade 1 seedlings instead of Grade 3 seedlings produced an additional 303 ft3/ac. Per acre volume differences among families were greater at age 13 than at age 8. In contrast, differences among seedling grades were about the same at age 8 and 13 yr. The overall mean annual increment (MAI) for this study was 207 ft3/ac/yr. In comparison, the MAI for Grade 1 seedlings of family 56 was 239 ft3/ac/yr. South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):153–158.

scholarly journals Effects of Five Silvicultural Treatments on Loblolly Pine in the Georgia Piedmont at Age 20

2004 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Boyd Edwards ◽  
Barry D. Shiver ◽  
Stephen R. Logan
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Intensive Treatment ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Herbicide Treatment ◽  
Georgia Piedmont ◽  
Stand Characteristics

Abstract Age 20 data from a designed experimental study installed on 24 plots at one location in the Lower Piedmont in Jones County, Georgia, were used to evaluate the effect of six silvicultural treatments on survival, growth, and yield of cutover site-prepared loblolly pine plantations in the Georgia Piedmont. The following silvicultural treatments were included in the study: (1) clearcut only, (2) clearcut with all residual trees greater than 1 inch dbh removed by chainsaw, (3) shear and chop, (4) shear, rootrake, burn, and disk, and (5) shear, rootrake, burn, disk, fertilize, and herbicide. Treatment significantly affected all tree and stand characteristics at age 20. The shear, rootrake, burn, disk, fertilize, and herbicide treatment ranked best in all categories with the exception of survival and basal area, which were highest for the shear, rootrake, burn, and disk treatment. The shear and chop treatment was not significantly lower than the most intensive treatment in any measured category. South. J. Appl. For. 28(1):35–40.

scholarly journals A Dynamic Stand Growth Model System for Loblolly Pine Responding to Mid-Rotation Treatments

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 556
Author(s):  
Mauricio Zapata-Cuartas ◽  
Bronson P. Bullock ◽  
Cristian R. Montes ◽  
Michael B. Kane
Keyword(s):  
Growth Model ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Model System ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Plantation Management ◽  
Vegetation Control ◽  
Dominant Height

Intensive loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation management in the southeastern United States includes mid-rotation silvicultural practices (MRSP) like thinning, fertilization, competitive vegetation control, and their combinations. Consistent and well-designed long-term studies considering interactions of MRSP are required to produce accurate projections and evaluate management decisions. Here we use longitudinal data from the regional Mid-Rotation Treatment study established by the Plantation Management Research Cooperative (PMRC) at the University of Georgia across the southeast U.S. to fit and validate a new dynamic model system rooted in theoretical and biological principles. A Weibull pdf was used as a modifier function coupled with the basal area growth model. The growth model system and error projection functions were estimated simultaneously. The new formulation results in a compatible and consistent growth and yield system and provides temporal responses to treatment. The results indicated that the model projections reproduce the observed behavior of stand characteristics. The model has high predictive accuracy (the cross-validation variance explained was 96.2%, 99.7%, and 98.6%; and the prediction root mean square distance was 0.704 m, 19.1 trees ha−1, and 1.03 m2ha−1 for dominant height (DH), trees per hectare (N), and basal area (BA), respectively), and can be used to project the current stand attributes following combinations of MRSP and with different thinning intensities. Simulations across southern physiographic regions allow us to conclude that the most overall ranking of MRSP after thinning is fertilization + competitive vegetation control (Fert + CVC) > fertilization only (Fert) > competitive vegetation control only (CVC), and Fert + CVC show less than additive effect. Because of the model structure, the response to treatment changes with location, age of application, and dominant height growth as indicators of site quality. Therefore, the proposed model adequately represents regional growth conditions.

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