• Wiley, Suzanne
  University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR
  
• Zeide, Boris
  University of Arkansas at Monticello, Monticello, AR
  

In 1970 forty plots were established in a typical loblolly pine (pinus taeda L.) plantation located in southeastern Arkansas. The study was designed to investigate the effects of thinning and crown shortening on volume growth. Plots have been periodically measured and the seventh inventory of this stand was completed in 1988 as trees reached their thirtieth year. At this inventory, the current annual diameter growth increment at the lowest density (30 square feet/acre) was twice that at the highest density (90 square feet/acre). Accumulated cubic foot volume and maximum mean annual increment increased with density and generally with grown ratio. The maximum accumulated total stem volume and mean annual increment were produced by treatments at the highest density with light pruning (crown ratio of 55% of total tree height). Maximum accumulated merchantable board-foot volume occurred in plots maintained at 70 square feet of basal area with light pruning.