Influence of Spacing on Growth of Loblolly Pines Planted on Eroded Sites

Abstract

At age 20, survival, height growth, diameter growth and volume were poorer for trees with initial planting spacings of 4 by 4 feet than for those planted at 6 by 6 or 8 by 8 feet. The strong correlation (r² = 0.82) found between site index and spacing suggests that for these plantations, height and ultimately site index classification were correlated with stocking density rather than with the actual quality of the site. Therefore, for trees planted at close spacings, the use of the height of dominant trees as the index of site quality may underestimate potential site productivity.

Keywords

Pinus taeda L., site index, height growth, diameter growth, yield

Citation

McClurkin, D.C. 1975. Influence of Spacing on Growth of Loblolly Pines Planted on Eroded Sites. Res. Note SO-209. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 4 p.