Regulating Stand Density by Precommercial Thinning in Naturally Regenerated Loblolly Pine Stands: Evaluation of Management and Economic Opportunities

Abstract

The economic performance of converting 13-year-old, overstocked (>3,000 trees per acre), naturally regenerated pine stands using precommercial thinning at a cost of $140 per acre was modeled for 25-, 35-, and 50-year rotations. The stand density was reduced to 283 trees per acre. Subsequent management scenarios recovered establishment and management costs through final harvest and in combination with periodic commercial thinnings. Indexes of financial performance were 12.3, 17.1, and 15.6 percent Internal Rate of Return; $11.13, $36.25, and $45.65 per acre Annual Equivalent Value; and $139.16, $453.12, and $570.66 per acre in Soil Expectation Value for 25, 35 and 50 year rotations, respectively.

Citation

Moorhead, David J.; Dangerfield, Coleman W., Jr.; Edwards, M. Boyd. 1997. Regulating Stand Density by Precommercial Thinning in Naturally Regenerated Loblolly Pine Stands: Evaluation of Management and Economic Opportunities. Proceedings of the Ninth Biennial Southern Silvilcultural Research Conference, Clemson, SC, Feb. 25-27, 1997, USDA General Techinical Report SRS-20