Effects of first thinning on growth of loblolly pine plantations in the West Coastal Plain

The purpose of this research is to analyze thinning response in basal area and height growth of residual loblolly pine trees growing in plantations located in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Thinning is a well-known silvicultural practice that increases the growing space available to desirable trees by removing competing trees. The response to thinning in residual loblolly pine trees is well-documented, except in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain and especially east Texas. Burrow (2001) investigated thinning response in east Texas loblolly pine plantations on a per acre basis, but not for individual trees. In order to quantify the effects of first thinning on individual planted loblolly pine trees, basal area and height pre- and post-thinning growth was measured on 11 permanent growth and yield plots within 3 years of thinning. These plots are part of the East Texas Pine Plantation Research Project and are located in east Texas and western Louisiana. Treatment plots are 0.23-acre squares (100 by 100 feet) and are located across a range of soil types, soil