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Extending the capabilities of an individual tree growth simulator to model non-traditional loblolly pine plantation systems for multiple products

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Demand for traditional wood products from southern forests continues to increase even as demand for woody biomass for uses such as biofuels is on the rise. How to manage the plantation resource to meet demand for multiple products from a shrinking land base is of critical importance. Nontraditional plantation systems comprised of two populations planted on the same site and managed tor multiple products may be an economical and environmentally attractive alternative. In order to examine the feasibility and profitability of these systems, growth and yield models flexible enough for such regimes will be needed. In this paper we describe how an individual tree growth and yield simulator for loblolly pine (PTAEDA) can be altered to accommodate two populations of loblolly pine trees planted at different densities and spacings on the same site and managed for alternative product objectives. Investigations underway suggest that the individual tree growth model architecture may be a suitable platform for modeling such stands.

Parent Publication

Citation

Amateis, Ralph L.; Burkhart, Harold E. 2012. Extending the capabilities of an individual tree growth simulator to model non-traditional loblolly pine plantation systems for multiple products. In: Butnor, John R., ed. 2012. Proceedings of the 16th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 7-9.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/41359