Effect of rotation age on lumber grade, yield, and strength of unthinned loblolly pine
This study examines the effect of rotation age on the grade, yield, and strength of lumber produced from unthinned loblolly pine stands in the coastal plain of Georgia. Six stands representing 22-, 28-, and 40-year rotations were sampled. A stratified random sample of trees with diameters at breast height ranging from 8 to 16 inches was selected from each stand and processed into limber. The strength, yield, and grade of lumber produced increased with increasing rotation age. Based on study data, equations were developed to predict total lumber volume, lumber volume by lumber grade, sawlog stem weight, and cubic volume. Because the yeild of higher grade lumber increased in older trees, the value of lumber produced per cubic foot increased significantly with increasing age. A financial analysis of a simulated plantation harvested at ages ranging from 20 to 40 years illustrates the effects of increasing lumber value and rotation age on net present value of an unthinned loblolly pine stand.
- Research Organization:
- Forest Service, Athens, GA (United States). Southeastern Forest Experiment Station
- OSTI ID:
- 229269
- Report Number(s):
- PB-96-146436/XAB; TRN: 61061215
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: DN: Pub. in Forest Products Jnl., Reprint No. 8318, Vol. 46, No. 1, 63-68(Jan 1996); PBD: Jan 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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