Survival and Growth of Loblolly Pine as Influenced By Seedling Grade: 13-Year Results

Abstract

Abstract Results from a northcentral Louisiana loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) site (site index 94, base age 25) showed that seedling grade affected survival, height, and volume production. Survival of Grade 1 seedlings was significantly greater than cull seedlings and volume production from Grade 1 seedlings was 17.5% greater than that of Grade 2 seedlings. The present value of the additional wood produced at age 13 by Grade 1 seedlings (over that of Grade 2 seedlings) ranged from $50 to $139 per thousand seedlings. Average volume production for Grade 1 seedlings exceeded 30 m3/ha/yr (440 cubic feet per acre per year). To increase volume production, especially on high site land, Grade 1 seedlings should be planted. It is proposed that a portion of the nursery be sown at low densities (ca 200/m2) to provide the field forester with the option of planting a high proportion of Grade 1 seedlings.1