Stockability: A major factor in productivity differences between Pinus taeda plantations in Hawaii and the Southeastern United States.

Abstract

Basal area and volume production in loblolly pine spacing trials in Hawaii were nearly double the average production in research plantings in the Southeastern United States. The higher productivity in Hawaii was associated, to some extent, with site index and more rapid growth of individual trees. Competition-related mortality, however, was considerably lower in Hawaii, despite the fact that trees were larger. Consequently, limiting density and mortality threshold boundary lines were much higher. Such differences in stockability (or maximum mean tree size-stand density relationships) accounted for most of the differences in productivity. Forest managers and scientists should pay more attention to possible differences in stockability in the quest for productivity improvement.

Citation

DeBell, Dean S.; Harms, William R.; Whitesell, Craig D. 1989. Stockability: A major factor in productivity differences between Pinus taeda plantations in Hawaii and the Southeastern United States. Forest Science. 35(3): 708-719