Comparative analysis of the quality of sawn logs from 35-, 40-, and 50-year-old loblolly pine plantation stands

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the quality of sawlogs from 35-, 40-, and 50-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation stands purposely to determine the lumber value increase possible for older stands. The relative differences in the quality of sawlogs from these stands were quantified in terms of the dollar value of lumber output per cubic foot of sawlog input. Significant differences in the quality of sawlogs from the 35-, 40-, and 50- year-old loblolly pine plantation stands were found. Results indicate that sawlog quality improvements of about 3.8, 9.2, and 13.4 percent could be realized if the stands were harvested at age 40 instead of 35, at age 50 instead of 40, and at age 50 instead of 35, respectively. Also, the quality of the various sawlog sections within a tree of the same stand were found to be statistically different. Sawlog quality was highest at the butt section and lowest at the top section, and such disparity increased with stand age. Also, significant differences in the quality of the same type (or section) of sawlogs from the different aged stands have been observed. These findings corroborate the widespread belief that the quality of sawlogs from loblolly pine plantations generally increases with stand age. More importantly, the results suggest that a stratified pricing reflecting the quality differences of sawlogs or sawtimber from loblolly pine plantation stands should be adopted.

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