Direct Estimation of the Ovendry Weight of Plantation-Grown Loblolly Pine Trees in the Interior West Gulf Coastal Plain

Disks from 631 loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine sample trees felled and sectioned throughout the Interior West Gulf Coastal Plain were analyzed for specific gravity. A total of 5254 disks were measured. A weighted tree specific gravity was calculated for each sample tree. Using actual cubic foot volumes, actual tree specific gravities, and the density of water, the actual ovendry weight was determined for each of the 631 trees. Plottings of ovendry tree weights over plantation variables–age, site index, and trees per acre–revealed no obvious linear or non-linear trends. All correlation coefficients were positive, which appears to be logical. When the tree weights were plotted over tree diameter and tree height, non-linear trends were apparent, and a very strong linear relationship appeared when the tree weights were plotted over tree diameter squared times tree height. Using diameter squared times height as the independent variable, ovendry tree weight prediction equations for four merchantability standards were developed.

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