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Four Pine Species Grown at Four Spacings on the Eastern Highland Rim, Tennessee, After 30 Years

Informally Refereed

Abstract

In 1966, four pine species [loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), Virginia pine (P. virginiana Mill.), shortleaf pine (P. echinata Mill.) and eastern white pine (P. strobus L.)] were planted at four spacings (6 x 6 foot 9 x 9 foot 12 x 12 feet and 15 x 15 feet) on the eastern Highland Rim near Tullahoma, Tennessee, to evaluate their growth and development. Survival for all species at 6 x 6 foot in 1996 was significantly lower (39 percent) than at the other three spacings (58 to 64 percent). Eastern white pine had significantly higher stand cubic foot volume and economic value than the other three species. Loblolly pine had significantly higher stand volume and economic value than shortleaf pine and Virginia pine. Volume for loblolly pine was highest at 6 x 6 feet (8,820 cubic feet per acre) and lowest at 15 x 15 feet (4,807 cubic feet per acre). Long-existing markets have favored loblolly pine, although markets have recently developed in the area of this study for eastern white pine.

Parent Publication

Citation

Schubert, Martin R.; Rennie, John C.; Schlarbaum, Scott E. 2004. Four Pine Species Grown at Four Spacings on the Eastern Highland Rim, Tennessee, After 30 Years. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 433-436
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6753