Stand density effects on Eucalyptus grandis growth in Entre Ríos
Year: 1995
Type: article
Abstract: The Mesopotamia region comprises the largest Eucalyptus grandis plantation area in Argentina. Stand density ranges from 1,000 to 1,111 plants/ha and 10-12 years rotation lenghts allow for a variety of end uses: pulp, sawmill, poles. Stand density effects on E. grandis growth were evaluated in a trial network across the Entre Ríos province. Three Nelder-designed trials were periodically measured for DBH and height up to age ten years. With increasing density, basal area decreased and DBH, mean height and survival increased; quadratic regression equations indicated that spacing explained 60 to 76 p. 100 of the variation in DBH and basal area. Results allow for the following management recommendations; stand density has to be decreased in low quality sites; when a larger DBH is the objective, stand density has to be lower and/or rotation length has to be increased and/or thinnings have to be applied; to produce larger DBHs than those currently consumed by sawmills will require a lower initial stand density or intermediate thinnings; a maximization of the final stand volume will be obtained with higher stand densities than those currently used.
Source: Forest Systems
DOI: 10.5424/537
Author: F. Dalla-Tea
Institution: National Agricultural Technology Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Forestry
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2162923461