Characteristics of a Direct-Seeded Eastern White Pine Plantation on the Mid-Cumberland Plateau at Four Ages

Abstract

Growth and yield of a direct-seeded eastern white pine (finus sfrobus L.) plantation established in 1959 on a broad undulating sandstone upland (Landtype 1) are summarized. Average heights of dominant and codominant pines were 35,56, 65, and 76 ft at ages 15,25, 30, and 34 years, respectively. Equivalent site indices (base age 25 years from seed) were 56,56,58, and 63 at those respective ages. At age 34, there were 418 pines per acre, which represents a survival rate of 25 percent based on a stocking of 1,650 stems at age 4. Other stand parameters at age 34 were quadratic mean diameter, 8.3 inches; basal area, 157 ft2/acre; and merchantable yield (outside bark to a 3.0-inch top o.b., all trees 23.6 inches in d.b.h.), 5,229 ft3/acre. Also 319 pines per acre were 23.6 inches in d.b.h., and 127 pines were 29.6 inches in d.b.h.. Hardwoods (20.6 inches in d.b.h.) numbered 254 and accounted for an additional 37 ft2 of basal area. Dominant and codominant yellow-poplars (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), black cherries (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), and chestnut oaks (Quercus prinus L.) comprised 25 ft2 of the hardwood basal area. Cubic yield of this direct-seeded white pine plantation on the Mid-Cumberland Plateau has been less than the average yield of planted plantations in the Southern Appalachians, and this study plantation has not grown as well as a nearby planted plantation. But site index is apparently at least 8 ft taller than the estimate for Landtype 1 in the regional forest site classification guide.