Impact of stand density on the quality and value of 35-year-old loblolly pine plantation sawtimber: a case study

This paper provides insights into the impact of stand density on the quality or value of sawtimber from 35-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation stands. The sample stands had a 70/25 site index (i.e., expected to produce trees with a top height or mean dominant height of 70 ft at 25 years of age) and an 8- by 8-foot initial spacing. The results of the study revealed that the stand that had two thinning events, at ages 18 and 27, could potentially yield lumber valued at $2.47 per cubic foot of sawtimber, based on first quarter 2008 prices. On the other hand, the stand that had only one thinning event at age 18 could potentially yield lumber valued at $2.53 per cubic foot of sawtimber. The difference of $0.06 or 2.4 percent per cubic foot was found to be significant statistically with a 99 percent level of confidence. Clearly, from the point of view of sawmillers who characterize input sawlog quality in terms of the dollar value of lumber yield per cubic foot, sawtimber from 35-year-old loblolly pine plantation stands that were thinned twice at ages 18 and 27 would not be as desirable as that coming from similar stands which were thinned only once at age 18. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]