Biomass production of several jack pine provenances at three Lake States locations

Total biomass, biomass production, component distribution, and water content of stems and branches were estimated in 24- and 25-year-old jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) stands of four provenances planted at three Lake States locations. The initial spacing was 1.5 × 1.5 m (5 × 5 ft). Total biomass and mean annual biomass production (MAB) were negatively related to location latitude. The overall range of MAB was 2.6-5.8 t*ha −1 *year −1 (about 1.2-2.6 tons*acre −1 *year −1 ). The highest MAB was 58% higher than the maximum reported in the literature. Stems accounted for 64-75% and branches with needles for the rest of the aboveground biomass. Stem percentages decreased at the northernmost location. Stems of all harvested trees had a significantly higher water content (127-141% on a dry weight basis) than their branches with needles (100-115%). Water content was the lowest in late winter (March). The study showed that suitable seed source selection is a very important factor in increasing jack pine stand production in the Lake States.