GROWTH OF Cedrela odorata L., AND Tectona grandis L., IN AN HAPLIC FLUVISOL SOIL; MODEL TO CALCULATE ITS COMMERCIAL VOLUME

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of the extraction of forest stands requires a reliable method to estimate the timber volumes, which, in general, can be calculated from the normal diameter (DAP) and the total height of the plantation, regardless of the morphological characteristics of the shafts. Stemming from the need of having information that allows making a more precise estimation in species of commercial importance in Tabasco, México, the growth and development of two juvenile plantations with 58 and 44 cedar and teak (Cedrela odorata L. and Tectona grandis L.) trees, respectively, was evaluated during a year, in addition making a profile to classify the soil that turned out to be an Haplic Fluvisol. The dasometric measurements were carried out in the three seasons of the year: north, dry and rainy. The model of commercial volume was determined based on a previous study. The parameters of study were analyzed under a completely random design. The annual average increase in cedar and teak height was 1.9 m and 3.2 m, being higher (0.88 and 1.47 m) and different during the rainy season (p?0.01). No other parameters showed statistical difference. The equations to estimate the commercial volumes of timber for cedar and teak were: yy=-0.19415+0.01698*(DN), y=-0.22051+0.01877*(DN), respectively.