Soil‐Site Productivity for Natural Stands of White Pine in Massachusetts

Abstract

AbstractSoil and site characteristics for prediction of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) growth were studied in over 80 stands throughout Massachusetts. Soil descriptions, site characteristics, and stand growth were noted in the field. Samples from the soil horizons were analyzed in the laboratory for physical and chemical properties. Step‐wise multiple regression computer analyses provided growth prediction equations for several levels of complexity of the soil and site data input. Prediction from topographic variables was poor. Addition of soil physical and chemical variables improved the prediction. Of the growth measures, height was predicted most accurately, age plus soil variables accounting for 80–90% of the variation. Soil and site variables accounted for up to about 60% of the variation in site index, and for periodic cubic volume increment up to about 70%. Total board and cubic volume are predicted quite well by age and soil‐site factors (R2 ca 0.6–0.8). Basal area is not predicted well. Textural components, coarse materials, drainage class, organic matter, pH of lower horizons, and moisture characteristics were common significant factors. The equations for site index, total height and cubic volume growth should be useful for prediction of white pine site productivity in Massachusetts.