Soil properties and nitrogen as indicators of growth in teak commercial stands

Abstract

Teak is an important species in the forest markets, due to the value of the timber which, it has increased the interest to establish stands in Mexico. However, the influence of properties soil and nitrogen on plantations have been poorly evaluated. The aim of the study was to measure quality soil in 6-yrs-old commercial teak plantations in Nayarit, Mexico. 30 days before planting, were applied to fertilizers soils 50- 120 - 75 (NPP), 3 t ha-1 Ca hydroxide, 250 kg ha-1 of diammonium phosphate, 63 kg ha-1 of potassium chloride and 75 kg ha-1 Potassium sulfate to improve your fertility. After 6 yrs-old, the diameter, height, basal area and volume were measured in order to contrast the growth and productivity between stands. Soil samples, the texture, bulk density (BD), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM) and C:N ratio were determined to know the OM mineralization, as well as nitrogen in biomass. The ANOVA and Tukey test showed that soils with pH > 6 < 7, CEC > 30 cmol(+) kg-1, OM > 2.5 % and C:N ratio > 15 of 0 - 10 cm, were associated with the best stand productivity, as well as the highest nitrogen concentration in leaves. It is concluded that the success in the stand’s productivity with exotic species in Mexico, will depend essentially on the health of the soil.