Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata) Site Index Equation for the Cumberland Plateau, USA

John M. Zobel, Martin R. Schubert, Joshua J. Granger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Shortleaf pine site index on the Cumberland Plateau is one of the least studied silvics of the species. To obtain site index information, practitioners must use site index curves from outside the region. This research proposes a novel approach to using USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis data to develop a shortleaf pine site index equation specific to the Plateau. Shortleaf pine site trees (n <FOR VERIFICATION>= <FOR VERIFICATION>410) were grown forward or backward until base age of 50 years, using site specific, mixed-model parameters. Over thirty height models were then fit using traditional methods and the algebraic difference approach (ADA). Fit and cross-validation statistics, along with examinations of model behavior, showed that a derivation of the Lundqvist-Korf model provided the best estimates. The model was rearranged to directly estimate site index, and a traditional site index graph is provided. Site index estimates had average validation results nearly four times better than the currently recommended site index curve developed off the Plateau. Forest practitioners now have access to improved site index estimation for restoring and managing shortleaf pine on the Cumberland Plateau.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)259-269
Number of pages11
JournalForest Science
Volume68
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Author(s) 2022

Keywords

  • Cumberland Plateau
  • Forest Inventory and Analysis
  • Pinus echinata
  • algebraic difference approach
  • shortleaf pine
  • site index

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