Abstract
There has been an increase in loblolly pine production driven by forest management practices like intensive silviculture and improved genetics. Some reported yield gains have been modeled using metaregression mixed effects models accounting for the potential contribution of the four factors related to forest growth: age, site quality (environment), establishment culture and management, and stand intrinsic characteristics (genetics and initial planting density). The aim of this research was to describe a methodology that allows for the derivation of response equations from yield models for diameter at breast height, stand average height, basal area, and total volume in the Southeastern United States. When compared to low-level silviculture, moderate and intensive silviculture show volume gains at age 20 of 221 and 314 m3/ha, respectively. Likewise, moderate and intensive management consistently performed better over time as compared to low management for all response variables. These management response curves and their associated mathematical expressions can be used to perform financial marginal analyses to improve forest land decision making.
Parent Publication
Citation
Restrepo, Hector I.; Bullock, Bronson P.; Montes, Cristian R. 2018. Contribution of silviculture to loblolly pine growth and yield in the souutheastern United States: A meta-analysis. In: Kirschman, Julia E., comp. 2018. Proceedings of the 19th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-General Technical Report SRS- 234. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 444 p pages 152-157) 6 p.
