Stand dynamics of unthinned and thinned shortleaf pine plantations

Growth and yield information about unthinned and thinned shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) plantations established mostly on old-fields in the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, Cumberland Plateau, and Highland Rim physiographic provinces is covered in this paper. The growth and yield pattern of shortleaf pine is more suited to the production of sawlogs at long rotations than to the production of pulpwood at short rotations. Thinning is needed to capture mortality and to concentrate growth potential on fewer trees. The efficacy of thinning shortleaf plantations depends on planting density, site, quality, rotation age, and availability of markets for small-diameter trees. A management scenario proposed by Williston (1983) should be applicable to most plantations. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the adequacy of existing growth and yield information for shortleaf plantations.