Cultural intensity and planting density effects on aboveground biomass of 12-year-old loblolly pine trees in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the southeastern United States

We examined the effects of cultural intensity (operational and intensive), planting density (741, 1483, 2224, 2965, 3706 and 4448 trees ha−1) and their interaction on aboveground biomass accumulation and allocation for 12-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees in the Upper Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the southeastern United States. Cultural intensity significantly affected accumulation of stem, bark, dead-branch and total aboveground biomass and biomass allocation in the dead-branch component. Accumulation of total aboveground biomass and each component biomass and biomass allocation to each component were significantly affected by planting density. The only significant culture × density interaction was for dead-branch biomass accumulation.

► We quantify cultural intensity and planting density effects on loblolly pine tree biomass. ► Increased culture increased stem, bark, dead-branch and total aboveground biomass per tree. ► Component and total aboveground biomass per tree were greater at low than at high densities. ► Culture affected only dead-branch allocation and density affected allocation to each component.