Modeling loblolly pine plantations across planting densities and management intensities: II. stand basal area prediction and projection models
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Stand basal area (BA) is a core component of stand-level growth and yield (G&Y) systems used to guide forest management and simulate stand dynamics under alternative silvicultural regimes. Traditional BA equations, often based on Schumacher-type or generalized Richards functions, assume asymptotic BA development with stand age, an assumption that may not hold for long-rotation and intensively managed plantations established at high planting densities. To address this limitation, we developed new BA prediction and projection equations for loblolly pine plantations across a wide range of planting densities and management intensities in the southeastern United States. The new equations were derived directly from relationships between quadratic mean diameter (Dq) and stand age or dominant height, avoiding the imposition of predefined asymptotic behavior. The resulting models explicitly incorporate the effects of planting density, management intensity, and site quality. Compared with traditional formulations, the new equations showed improved performance and captured both asymptotic growth and post-culmination decline, providing a more flexible and biologically realistic basis for evaluating alternative silvicultural strategies.
Source: Forest Ecology and Management
Institution: University of Georgia
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,560
OpenAlex ID: W7162192573