Productivity and profitability potential for non-native Eucalyptus plantings in the southern USA

John A. Stanturf, Timothy M. Young, James H. Perdue, Derek Dougherty, Michael Pigott, Zhimei Guo and Xia Huang

Forest Policy and Economics, 2018, vol. 97, issue C, 210-222

Abstract: Renewed interest in non-native Eucalyptus species for planting in the southern US has been spurred by projections suggesting they are more productive than the widely cultured Pinus species, by warming temperatures, and by attempts to identify frost-tolerant species as well as developing genetically modified Eucalyptus for frost tolerance. In addition to questions of environmental suitability, the economic viability of Eucalyptus is a significant hurdle to widespread adoption for commercial plantings. We sought to assess the potential obtainable yields and economic feasibility of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex. Maiden and E. benthamii Maiden et Cambage, two species suitable for the southern United States. Using the process-based growth model 3PG, we projected potential yields at the sub-county level for E. grandis in Florida where it is operationally grown and E. benthamii in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8a and 8b where it has shown tolerance to occasional low temperatures. The 3PG model estimated mean annual volume increment, inside bark (MAI) that was used to estimate land expectation value (LEV) and internal rate of return (IRR).

Keywords: Bioenergy; Short-rotation; Eucalyptus grandis; Eucalyptus benthamii; 3PG (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:forpol:v:97:y:2018:i:c:p:210-222

DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2018.10.004

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