Whole-Stand Models: Loblolly and Slash Pine Plantations

A new compatible whole-stand growth and yield model to predict total tree cubic-foot volume per acre yield (outside and inside-bark) was developed for unmanaged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations in east Texas. This model was compared to the non- compatible whole-stand model of Lenhart (1996) and the Lenhart (1996) model refit to current data. For the two species, all three models were evaluated with independent observed data. The model developed in this study out-performed both Lenhart models in prediction of future yield and basal area per acre for all age classes combined and by five-year age classes. The Lenhart models consistently over-estimated yield and basal area per acre. All three models predicted surviving trees per acre similarly. An example is also provided to show users how to use the new whole-stand model. An ETTPRP report was published in 2010 which provides updates to the coefficient values in the 2009 SJAF paper, a new survival equation (which includes site index) as well as new arithmetic mean diameter equation.