Modeling loblolly pine plantations across planting densities and management intensities: II. stand basal area prediction and projection models

Key Points

• The aim is to develop new basal area models for loblolly pine that account for varying planting densities and management intensities.
• Developed new basal area equations for loblolly pine based on density and management strategies.
• Used Dq–age or height-diameter relationships to avoid fixed asymptotic growth assumptions.
• Integrated both asymptotic growth and post-culmination decline into the modeling.
• New models effectively predict growth without the limitations of traditional asymptotic growth models.
• Models performed better in intensive management contexts compared to previous methods.