The Relation of Growth to Stand Density in Natural Loblolly Pine Stands
| Authors: | K.F. Wenger, T.C. Evans, T. Lotti, R.W. Cooper, E.V. Brender |
| Year: | 1958 |
| Type: | Miscellaneous Publication |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| Source: | USDA Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station, Old Station Paper 097 |
Abstract
This is a progress report of a regional study on growing-space requirements for natural stands of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.).A primary objective is to measure the effects of residual stand density, obtained naturally or by cutting, during intermediate ages, upon volume yield and total production. By imposing real values and costs upon measured yields, net return may be calculated and used to determine optimum levels of stand density for various combinations of site, product, and financial goal.
The attainment of this objective obviously depends on a series of measurements taken over a long period. Only preliminary and partial results are reported herein because data are complete only for the first 9-year period of the study. Nevertheless, these data indicate that a low level of stand density is optimum for growth on a poor site, at least in young loblolly pine stands. In contrast, a good site will support a relatively high stand density throughout the rotation. Because of the preliminary nature of these findings, no attempt is made to develop financial aspects of the study at this time.