Native Plants Journal - Article

Reforestation costs can be decreased by lowering initial stocking and outplanting morphologically improved seedlings

Abstract:

Two stock types of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L. [Pinaceae])
were outplanted at 3 spacings: 749, 1122, and 1497 trees/ha
(303, 454, and 605 trees/ac). Morphologically improved
seedlings were grown at a density of 177/m2 (16/ft2) while
standard seedlings were grown at a density of 277/m2 (25/ft2).
Morphologically improved seedlings had an average root-collar
diameter of 6.3 mm at time of outplanting and, after 3 y in
the field, were taller and had more volume/ha than standard
seedlings (4.5-mm root-collar at outplanting). An economic
analysis was conducted based on 20-y volume estimates from
a growth and yield program. If seedling cost is increased by
0.7 cent (due to growing at a low seedbed density) then outplanting
cost per ha can be reduced by outplanting 750 morphologically
improved seedlings instead of 1500 standard
seedlings. Overall establishment costs might be reduced by
US$ 108/ha ($44/ac) and the net present value of the stand
might be increased by 10% or more (due to increasing the
production of sawlogs). From this and other analyses, we
determined that an important economic relationship exists
between outplanting density and seedling quality.

Issue & Pages:

Spring 2005 Pages: 76-82

Article Download:

6-1NPJ76-82.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

• Davd B South
• Curtis L VanderSchaaf
• John R Britt

Keywords:

Pinus taeda, bareroot, seedling quality, stocking, economics, loblolly pine