The effect of spacing rectangularity on stem quality in loblolly pine plantations

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 498-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph L Amateis ◽  
Philip J Radtke ◽  
Gerald D Hansen

The effect of spacing rectangularity on tree stem quality was evaluated using data collected from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) spacing trial measured at age 19. In this trial, bole condition, branch size, and stem asymmetry were examined on plots with an initial planting density of 2240 trees/ha planted at slight (3:4) and greater (1:3) rectangular spacings to determine suitability for sawtimber production. Results indicated that rectangularity had no significant effect on survival or the number of potential sawtimber trees by age 19. While the 1:3 spacing treatment had a significantly larger maximum branch size than the 3:4 spacing treatment, it could not be attributed to the within-row or between-row direction. Additional measurements on stem diameter at breast height within and between rows failed to show stem asymmetry in the 1:3 spacing treatment. Consequently, rectangular spacings up to 1:3 should not have much impact on overall stem quality.

1997 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E. McKeand ◽  
Robert P. Crook ◽  
H. Lee Allen

Abstract The lack of rank change in growth characteristics when open-pollinated families of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) are planted on different sites in the Southeast has greatly simplified breeding for superior genotypes. Although family rank does not usually change, genotype by environment interactions (GxE) may be very important in operational deployment of families in regeneration programs. Using data from GxE trials and two site preparation-fertilization-herbicide trials, we estimated the growth that different families should achieve following application of these silvicultural practices. Better performing families tend to be most responsive to site changes (i.e. genetically unstable). Growth responses to silvicultural treatment will be overestimated if only the most responsive families are used in silvicultural research trials. Similarly, genetic gains will be overestimated if gain trials are planted on only the best sites or receive intensive culture. South. J. Appl. For. 21(2):84-89.


2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Hsun Huang ◽  
Gary D. Kronrad ◽  
Jason D. Morton

Abstract Economic analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of initial planting density on the profitability of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) on nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) in East Texas. Five planting densities of 870, 725, 620, 540, and 484 trees per acre (tpa)representing spacings of 5×10, 6×10, 7×10, 8×10, and 9×10 ft, respectively, were investigated. Land expectation values were used to determine the financially optimal thinning and final harvesting schedules (including rotation length and the timing, frequency, and intensity of thinning). Five site indices (50–90), six real alternative rates of return (ARR) (2.5–15.0%), and three thinning options (0, 1, and 2) were employed. Results indicate that two thinnings appear to be the financially optimal number of thinnings for most siteindex-ARR scenarios. The planting spacing of 8×10 ft is optimal when ARR is low, and the 9×10 ft spacing is optimal when ARR is high. South. J. Appl. For. South. J. Appl. For. 29(1):16–21.


1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. David Lenhart ◽  
W. Thomas McGrath ◽  
Terry L. Hackett

Abstract Five surveys of pine plantations in East Texas over an 18-year period (1969-1987) indicated that fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme Birdsall and Snow) infection rates have increased to current levels of about 50% on slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and are continuing to increase on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) to 10-15% levels. South. J. Appl. For. 12(4):259-261.


1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy B. Harrington ◽  
Jason A. Gatch ◽  
Terry S. Price

Abstract Twenty-four machine-planted stands of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) of ages 3 to 10 yr were sampled near Athens, GA, to compare stem sinuosity, tree size, and pest injury of trees with bent versus straight taproots. Based on a 0- to 8-point index, the average level of stem sinuosity was medium (X = 2.6; n = 1,327 trees). Trees of high or low stem sinuosity index were identified near each of ten points per site, and one was selected to best represent each level (n = 240 pairs). Seventy-two pairs were excavated, and of these, 62 and 82 trees had bent and straight taproots, respectively. Levels of stem sinuosity were medium or high for 77% of trees with bent taproots, while they were low for 71% of trees with straight taproots (chi-square P = 0.001). Trees with bent taproots were 7% to 9% smaller in stem diameter and height, while their stem sinuosity index was over twice that of trees with straight taproots (P = 0.01). Taproot azimuth did not differ significantly (P > 0.20) from planting row azimuth, indicating that bent taproots from machine planting remained confined to the planting slit. Although biological mechanisms were not identified, results indicate a potentially problematic association between bent taproots and reduced stem quality of loblolly pine. South. J. Appl. For. 23(4):197-202.


1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Blinn ◽  
Al Lyons ◽  
Edward R. Buckner

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.


1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger A. Williams

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.


1986 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellis V. Hunt ◽  
J. David Lenhart

Abstract Four surveys of pine plantations in East Texas between 1969 and 1984 indicate that fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme) infection rates are increasing on slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) and either decreasing or about constant on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Currently, stem infections occur on about 1 in 2 slash pines and 1 in 14 loblolly pines. South. J. Appl. For. 10:215-216, Nov. 1986.


1978 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 83-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert K. Shepard

Abstract A single ice storm caused heavy damage to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands row-thinned during the preceding year, but more than 200 undamaged trees per acre were left in all stands. A second ice storm the following year virtually destroyed half of the stands and left only a marginal number of trees in those remaining. A stand thinned from below suffered only light damage.


1980 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113
Author(s):  
Warren A. Flick ◽  
John R. Bowers ◽  
Peter Trenchi

Abstract The profitability of growing loblolly pine plantations (Pinus taeda L.) in the Southern Highlands of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee is analyzed and graphical guides are presented. All calculations show before-tax profitability. Present net worths range from $200 to over $1,000, depending on initial conditions. Internal rates of return range from 2 to 11 percent. The effect of professional forestry decisions on profitability is discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 1424-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas B. Lynch ◽  
Dehai Zhao ◽  
Will Harges ◽  
John Paul McTague

A very common model for prediction of tree stem volumes to upper-stem height or diameter limits is the use of a merchantable to total volume ratio function multiplied by a total stem volume function. Many users of these prediction systems also desire taper equations that can predict heights to upper-stem diameters. While taper equations compatible with volume ratio equations have been used for many years, compatible taper equations from volume ratio equations that are functions of upper-stem height have been used infrequently. Yet many studies have indicated that height-based ratio equations perform well and frequently have statistics of fit that are comparable with diameter-based volume ratio equations. Compatible taper equations derived from height-based ratio equations are presented here. The methodology that uses height-based merchantable to total volume ratios does not require the solution of a differential equation after differentiating the height-based volume ratio, as is necessary when using the method of deriving taper equations from diameter-based merchantable to total volume ratios. This could be an advantage depending on the complexity of the ratio function. Example taper equations fitted to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) data from the southeastern USA and the state of Oklahoma, USA, indicate good fit to these data, whether fitted directly to taper data or implicitly by using parameters fitted to volume ratio data.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document