Herbage yield response to the maturation of a slash pine plantation

Abstract

Herbage yields in a newly planted slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) Plantation were measured annually for 26 years. Total herbage yield initially increased in response to removal of the previous forest canopy. Thereafter, yield decreased steadily as the canopy of the developing pine plantation closed until it leveled off at about age 20. The maxima function described trends in yield for most species and groups of species. Accurate herbage yield estimates over time allow managers of forested rangeland to plan cattle stocking rates or arrange for alternative sources of forage.