Productivity in a example of six characteristic sites of the VIII Region with Pinus radiata D. Don

Abstract

Six sites with adult stands of P. Radiata representing the main soil groups in the VIII Region (soils derived from: granitic rock formed in situ, pleistocene volcanic ash, metamorphic schist rock, sea sediments, holocene volcanic ashes and andesitic-basaltic volcanic sands) were studied. Each site was characterised with respect to climate, chemical and physical properties of the soil, litter and aerial biomass of the forest. The inventory of nutrients (C, N, P, K) of the soil-litter-forest system was evaluated. Tree growth was related to site factors, and those limiting factors were identified in each case. Finally the main management measures for the sustainability of P. radiata plantations in each site were deduced.