The effect of spacing on the growth and yield of lodgepole pine

Project number: EP 922.07

District: Rocky Mountain Forest District

Objective

To determine the effects of juvenile spacing on the growth and yield of lodgepole pine.

Treatment

Five post-thinning densities (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 stems per hectare) are tested in a 16-year-old, fire origin stand.

Layout

• Randomized complete-block design
• Two replicates (blocks), each consisting of an unspaced control plot and five treatment plots
• Square treatment plots vary in size and contain 10 rows of 10 trees

History

• 1987 study establishment and baseline measurement
• 1992 first five-year assessment
• 1994 chemical brush control
• 1997 second five-year assessment
• 1998 tenth year progress report
• 1999 classified biogeoclimatically

Publications

Johnstone, W.D. 1993. The effect of spacing on the growth and yield of lodgepole pine. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Unpublished establishment and progress report.  14 pp.

Comments

Expected, general trend of largest trees at widest spacing is developing, particularly in terms of diameter. Higher than expected damage to crop trees due to wildlife. Data and photographs are on file at KRS.