Forest mensuration of Nothofagus alessandrii of Coipué provenance

Abstract

Nothofagus alessandrii Espinosa is a species possessing unique characteristics, that grows only in the Coastal Cordillera of the Maule Region. Given its current distribution, N. alessandrii is currently listed as “in danger of extinction” by the Chilean government with around 350 ha remaining in a series of very fragmented stands. Despite the importance and conservation status of N. alessandrii, little information exists about this species, particularly in relation to its growth. In light of this, we conducted a study examining some of the forest mensuration of second growth stands in Coipue, near Gualleco in the Maule Region. The study was carried out by means of three temporal samples and on individual trees using stem analysis. Fifteen representative trees spanning the range of diameter, form and height were harvested. Forest mensuration variables were obtained from each tree. Step by step regression analysis was used to develop growth, volume and height functions. Results indicate that this stand is 57 years old with a density of 1,516 trees per hectare and 107 m2 ha–1 of basal area. The growth, volume and height functions development are reliable. Diameter growth at the moment is 4.3 mm per year.