02/17/1992

Economics of Pine Planting

AUBURN, Ala.—What is the ideal planting density for loblolly pines? It all depends on the end use, according to Jon Caufield, associate professor of Forestry at Auburn University who conducted an Alabama Agricultural Experiment Study on this subject.

The study of the economically optimal planting density for loblolly pine stands for different price-size curves revealed that end-use has an economic impact on density of pine trees planted. A price-size curve defines the relationship between tree value and tree diameter. Upward sloping price-size curves imply that trees are used for higher value products as diameter increases. A horizontal curve implies that tree size does not affect end use.

Results of the study showed that planting densities lower than those traditionally employed, as low as 300 trees per acre, may be appropriate when the price-size curve slopes upward. When the curve is flat, somewhat lower densities than typically employed also should be considered.

Densities between 450 and 600 trees per acre were optimal for flat-priced curves, depending on the magnitude of the curve. A continuation of this study, which incorporates risk into the density decision, is now underway.

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Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Katie Jackson, 334-844-5886 or smithcl@auburn.edu

02/17/92