Removal of Hardwood Vegetation Increases Growth and Yield of A Young Loblolly Pine Stand

Abstract

Abstract In five years, growth and yield of a pre-commercially thinned, natural, seven-year-old loblolly pine stand were significantly increased by removing hardwood vegetation. Compared to thinned-only plots, the additive effects of removing hardwood and herbaceous vegetation increased radial growth rates 36 percent and cubic volume growth 63 percent. Removing hardwoods alone accounted for a 23-percent radial growth increase and a 45-percent volume growth increase. Thinning and herbaceous vegetation removal offered no advantage above thinning alone. Optimal increases in growth were obtained when the precommercial thinning included the eradication of hardwood vegetation.