Long term studies on development of longleaf pine plantations

The U.S. Forest Service's Laboratory at Pineville, LA has established and maintained over 250 permanent plots in longleaf pine plantations. This database represents a range of sites in south-central United States. Some of these plots represent over 50 years of stand development in plantations currently over 65 years old. All of the plots have recorded 20 years or more of stand development. These plots are being used to develop a model to predict the growth and development of longleaf plantations. This model will be a valuable tool for managers of longleaf plantations. In addition to these valuable, historic plots, the Pineville laboratory is currently establishing new permanent plots in young longleaf pine stands, representing operational plantations on a variety of sites. The poster will describe the individual studies comprising the longleaf pine database, and will provide growth trends observed on some individual plots. Furthermore, this will provide an opportunity to initiate cooperation of the Pineville laboratory with others interested in the development of longleaf pine plantations. THE LEGACY For over 50 years, the USDA Forest Service's Laboratory at Pineville, LA has been conducting research on the growth and development of longleaf pine plantations. We have seven long-term studies scattered throughout the Gulf Coastal Plain. These studies have explored the effects of spacing and thinning on longleaf plantations; most of the studies have been thinned several times. Each of the studies has recorded 20 years or more of stand development in longleaf pine plantations. Our database consists of 267 permanent plots.