Density reduction in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands to increase tree C assimilation: an approach with the dual δ13C and δ18O isotope signatures in needles

Table 2 Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand characteristics (mean ± 1SD) of eight density manipulation treatments

Planting density (stems ha⁻¹)	Thinning (% of density removal)	DBH (cm)	Height (m)	Crown length (m)	Trees per hectare	Basal area (m² ha-¹)	Reineke’s SDI (stand density index) at 2013
494	0	25.8 ± 3.6	13.1 ± 1.7	9.1 ± 0.6	450 ± 30	24.1 ± 6.1	438 ± 83
1111	0	20.3 ± 1.7	13.3 ± 0.9	7.0 ± 0.3	994 ± 46	32.7 ± 4.7	667 ± 22
1111	55	22.8 ± 4.2	13.8 ± 2.1	8.4 ± 1.1	462 ± 33	23.1 ± 0.1	475 ± 132
1729	0	17.6 ± 1.5	13.3 ± 1.7	6.6 ± 0.4	1446 ± 151	35.6 ± 3.0	770 ± 27
1729	71	23.3 ± 2.3	13.7 ± 1.7	8.8 ± 0.7	442 ± 14	19.1 ± 3.8	352 ± 66
1729	36	19.3 ± 2.4	13.3 ± 2.2	7.2 ± 0.6	1020 ± 14	30.6 ± 6.9	614 ± 99
2346	0	16.1 ± 1.9	13.3 ± 1.9	5.8 ± 0.3	1909 ± 124	40.7 ± 10.1	893 ± 132
2964	0	14.5 ± 1.3	13.1 ± 1.5	5.3 ± 0.6	2582 ± 311	43.6 ± 5.4	1024 ± 39

Note. Stand-level measurements of one plot (Union site; 1111 planting density and 55% density removal) were conducted prior to thinning treatment, therefore, this plot was not included in trees per hectare and basal area metrics

ISSN: 1297-966X