Pine species regret? Or captured opportunities?

While choice of genetic family or cross and initial seedlings per acre are really important for timber growth and carbon capture, the biggest management lever or decision in any timber plantation establishment is species selection and site assignment.

I recently published a report summarizing early measurements and observations in one of our Pine Species Comparison Trials in Charlton County, Georgia. The data and the race are fascinating. By race, I mean like as in 'species race test'. Each species has different growth patterns and tendencies. This test compares the growth of longleaf, loblolly and slash pine on a poorly drained, Lower Coastal Plain site. Longleaf pine starts off slower (in a grass stage; only for a year in this case study) but then may run at a steady pace of height growth for years, even with limited nutrients present, and may be managed for long rotations. Loblolly pine in comparison, will have a growth trajectory strongly dependent on resource availability which is affected by drainage, inherent soil fertility, and competition control. With good management, early growth can be dynamic (the 'Wonder years') and then height growth will gradually decrease, all persisting for a short to moderately long rotation length. Slash pine is somewhere in the middle, i.e. with different early nutrition requirements, and different mid-rotation nutrient response potential.

Each species has varied growth trajectories, varied resistance to common risks, and varied potential management horizons. Choosing the wrong species for a particular site leaves you with rotation-length long regrets. Choosing the right species provides strong investment opportunities! Interested in learning more about species selection and allocation for various investment site types across the Southeast US? Consider joining many other like-minded investors in supporting and participating in the Forest Owners Research & Technology Exchange! For more information, contact me directly or visit the website at https://lnkd.in/e64ZtQu