Yield and Economics of Loblolly Pine Plantations

Effects of Various Management Regimes

Opportunities exist for private forest landowners to dramatically improve the productivity of their pine plantations using advanced silvicultural practices. Although economic returns are often as good or better than alternative investments (such as the stock market) many of these practices are relatively expensive on a per acre basis and private landowners are sometimes hesitant to consider these investments. Expected wood yields and economic returns can help you make a decision whether to adopt one or more of these practices in your pine plantation.

The yield and basic economic information included in this section are derived from a mathematical growth and yield model called the Georgia Pine Plantation Simulator (GaPPS).  A variety of scenarios have been run through the GaPPS program.  Information on site preparation, planting density, herbaceous weed control, thinning and fertilization will be provided to assist you in making pine plantation management decisions.

This information is still in development, but plans are to have it available to you by mid-September, 2000.