La Relación Entre Suelo y Plantaciones de Pinus Radiata D.Don en Chile Central Análisis de la Situación Actual y Planteamientos Para su Futuro Manejo

Abstract

Large portion of the native forest of central Chile ( 32° — 42° S) have been exploited often without care for biological and adaphic consequences. Extensive areas of forest soils have been misused for agricultural porposes, as a result, there is a danger that the soil fertility, over large areas, will be reduced. Similarly, Pinus radiata has been planted in all kinds of soils without regards to soil conditions or to the ecological requirements of the species. Before large areas are planted to Monterrey pine, it is important to know under waht soil conditions the species does best; one must always try to characterize soil conditions with growth characteristics, a rational basis to good forest management. Accordingly, the present work describes the general condition of Monterrey pine plantations with regards to their growth potential. The growth requirements of Pinus radiata was analized and, in turn, the influences of these pine plantations on soil conditions also was studied. These analyses will provide silvicultural prescriptions for optimal pine growth in order to maximize future yields. These recomendations are essential to the rational management of pine plantations.