Economic feasibility of different high selective thinning intensities in a Pinus taeda L. forest at different rotation ages

High selective thinning removes competing trees based on crown interactions. When the crowns of dominant trees touch, indicating competition, selected trees are removed to promote the growth of the remaining individuals. This study evaluated dendrometric performance and economic viability of a Pinus taeda stand under four rotation ages and different intensities of high selective thinning, with up to six thinning operations depending on treatment. Trees were measured at irregular intervals from 1 to 40 years of age. For unmeasured ages, mean quadratic diameter (dg) and mean tree height (h) were estimated using Chapman–Richards models fitted for each treatment. The variables analyzed were dg, h, single-tree volume, total volume per hectare, and mean annual increment. Economic performance was assessed using expected land value (ELV) under different cutting cycles, planning horizons, timber markets, log prices, including knot-free logs, and total volume production. The treatment with two moderate-intensity thinnings (Moderate–Moderate) and final harvest at 35 years showed the best silvicultural and economic performance, producing 834 m3 ha-1 and an ELV of USD 32,269.92 ha-1. Sensitivity analyses at discount rates of 4%, 6%, and 8% indicated that economic returns were strongly affected by changes in the discount rate.