Site index curves for Nothofagus dombeyi in the pre-Andean mountains of the province of Cautin, IX Region, Chile

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop polymorphic site index curves for the regeneration of coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi) in the pre-Andean mountains of the IX Region of Chile. Three forest sites were defined a priori for this purpose, based on a spatial analysis of physiographical variables related with ecological requirements of the species: elevation, aspect and gradient. Subsequently, for the purpose of adjusting the age-height models, an analysis was carried out in 50 sample units, together with a dendrometric sampling of 150 felled dominant and co-dominant trees. The results allowed the determination of three forest sites, with indexes of 20, 18 and 16 meters for a key age of 40 years. Aspect and elevation were both significant variables affecting site index.