Elevated carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - What might it mean for loblolly pine plantation forestry?

Research with loblolly pine suggests that projected increases iii atmospher ic CO2 concentration will accelerate early growth and could result in shout er rotation length, reduced time until first commercial thinning, higher op timal planting density, and possibly higher maximum stocking level in manag ed stands. We discuss some of the physiological processes and stand dynamic s that underlie these changes, as well as silvicultural strategies that may serve to ensure sustainability of intensively managed forest systems in th e face of increasing CO2 and possible climate change.