Influence of soil compaction produced during clearcutting on the productivity of second-cycle growth of Pinus taeda L.

Abstract

In order to better understand the relationship between tree growth and soil compaction, the growth of Pinus taeda planted in 1990 was evaluated considering the different degrees of soil compaction and the different practices of soil preparation previous to planting, where the previous harvest was performed with a high degree of mechanization.
Tree growth was recorded by diameter, height, and volume, with measurements obtained five times between 15 and 47 months after planting, with the following conclusions:
1. Tree growth on sectors with less soil compaction was greater than in the sector with more soil compaction, independent of the way in which the soil was prepared before planting, and
2. Tree growth on sector where the soil was prepared with heavy raking prior to planting was greater than on sectors that received no soil preparation prior to planting, independent of the degree of soil compaction.