Site-specific Forest Management: Matching Genotypes and Silviculture to Optimize Carbon Sequestration

The use of improved genotypes as well an increased understanding of the role of intensive silviculture have made southeastern pine forests some of the most productive forests in the world. The objectives of this research were to determine how two superior loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) genotypes, representing two distinct ideotypes, respond to manipulations of nutrient availability. Second, based on estimates of carbon (C) capture and loss, predict how treatment responses may influence net ecosystem productivity (NEP). A combination of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus fertilization and the incorporation of high C to N logging residue (LR) provided a range of nutrient availability. We found both clones increased aboveground growth in response to fertilization, but to different degrees. Additionally, there were large differences in aboveground biomass partitioning in response to LR incorporation between clones. Finally, there were significant clonal differences in soil CO2 efflux indicating that there may be strong differences in NEP between genotype and nutrient availability.