Model-Based Growth Comparisons between Loblolly and Slash Pine and between Silvicultural Intensities in East Texas

Growth differences between key commercial species and between silvicultural intensities (phases) within a species in a region are of great interest to foresters. This study used modeling methods to investigate these differences in east Texas. Datasets collected from loblolly and slash pine plots installed in extensively managed plantations (Phase I) and loblolly pine plots installed in intensively managed plantations (Phase II) were used. Species and silvicultural phase growth differences were determined by comparing their height–age, diameter–age, and height–diameter relationships. Slash and loblolly pine had significantly different parameter estimates for the Chapman and Richards function-based height– and diameter–age models. Slash pine grew faster than loblolly pine, with the superiority in height increasing while that of diameter growth decreased slightly with age. Slash and loblolly pine differed also in all parameter estimates of the exponential function-based height-diameter model. Loblolly pine was taller than the slash for small size (DBH ≤ 18 cm) trees, but thereafter, slash pine outperformed loblolly. While these results may encourage planting slash pine in the region, more studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be made. The differences in the height–age models for loblolly pine Phase I and II plots suggest that intensive management significantly enhanced tree height growth. However, this enhancement did not substantially change the maximum height; instead, trees reached the maximum height younger, thus effectively shortening the rotation age