Breakthroughs in Growth and Yield Modeling

Proponents of longleaf have struggled for decades with the lack of growth and yield models for this forest type. Whether considering conversion to longleaf or managing existing stands, landowners and land managers need such models to make informed economic decisions.  In significant breakthroughs by several researchers, multiple growth and yield models for both plantation and natural stands are now becoming available to address longstanding gaps in longleaf pine management.

The USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, working with scientists at the University of Florida and Auburn University in completing much needed longleaf growth and yield models.  The University of Florida researchers have already completed a plantation model based on data spanning 76 years and will be available for public use.   In early 2012, scientists will complete the natural stand counterpart utilizing a 40+ year data base from the Regional Longleaf Pine Growth Study.  The Forest Service, Region 8, supported the data collection for both data sets.  Both models will be peer reviewed.

Meanwhile, Auburn University-based researchers Dwight Lauer and John Kush have released a growth and yield model for even-aged natural longleaf stands.  This model also uses the data from the Regional Longleaf Pine Growth Study and was made possible by a grant from the Norfolk Southern Railway to the Longleaf Alliance.  The Auburn publication is available for download with on-line user applications and added merchantability data planned for the future.