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

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the quality of sawlogs from 3 5-, 40-, and 50-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation stands p urposely to determine the lumber value increase possible for older stands. The relative differences in the quality of sawlogs from these stands were q uantified in terms of the dollar value of lumber output per cubic foot of s awlog 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 perce nt 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, th e quality of the various sawlog sections within a tree of the same stand we re found to be statistically different. Sawlog quality was highest at the b utt section and lowest at the top section, and such disparity increased wit h 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 sawlog s from loblolly pine plantations generally increases with stand age. More i mportantly, the results suggest that a stratified pricing reflecting the qu ality differences of sawlogs or sawtimber from Ioblolly pine plantation sta nds should be adopted.