Objective:

• To determine the effects of initial espacement (plantation density) on the growth and yield of lodgepole and yellow pine.

Experimental Design:

Treatments:

• Five espacements (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 trees per hectare) are tested for each species.

Layout:

• Randomized complete-block design
• Three replicates (blocks), each consisting of ten square, variable-sized plots (depending on espacement) containing 10 rows of 10 trees.
• Reps 1 and 2, Rep 3.

History:

• 1987 trial initially established for lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir
• 1989 due to high mortality resulting from frost, Douglas-fir replaced with yellow pine
• 1988-1992 routine maintenance
• 1991 first five-year assessment of lodgepole pine.
• 1993 first five-year assessment of yellow pine.
• 1996 second five-year assessment of lodgepole pine.
• 1997 Establishment and five-year progress report.
• 1998 second five-year assessment of yellow pine
• 1999 tenth year progress report
• 1999 classified biogeoclimatically
• 2001 Lodgepole pine component measured

Status: Active

Reports and Publications:

None to date.

Comments:

After two growing seasons, the Douglas-fir plots were replanted with yellow pine because of high frost-related mortality in the fir. The planting locations were mechanically screefed prior to planting the yellow pine. On-site reserve plantations provided beat-up material for fail planting during the first years following establishment. Data and photographs on file at KRS.