Natural loblolly and shortleaf pine productivity through 53 years of management under four reproduction cutting methods

Abstract

A study was initiated in 1943 to evaluate the long-term productivity of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf pines (P. echinata Mill.) when managed under four reproduction cutting methods—clearcut, heavy seedtree, diameter-limit, and selection—on the Upper Coastal Plain of southeastern Arkansas. Early volume production reflected retention of residual pines, and the clearcut was the least productive method through the first 36 yr. After 53 yr, there were no statistically significant (P = 0.07) differences among cutting methods in sawlog volume production, which averaged 3,800 ft³/ac. In terms of sawlog volume (bd ft/ac, Doyle scale), total production on clearcut, seedtree, and selection plots exceeded (P < 0.01) that on diameter-limit plots by 37 percent, but there were no differences in sawlog volume production among the other cutting methods. Results suggest that forest landowners should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each cutting method when planning their long-term objectives.

Citation

Cain, Michael D.; Shelton, Michael G. 2001. Natural loblolly and shortleaf pine productivity through 53 years of management under four reproduction cutting methods. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 25(1): 7-16.