Characteristics and variability of sites with adult stands of Pinus radiata D. Don in granite soils of the VIII and IX Regions, Chile

Abstract

An analysis of the characteristics of six Pinus radiata sites on granite soils of the VIII and IX regions was carried out in order to determine the factors involved in their productivity, as a form of contributing to the management of plantations. In each site, climate, soil, aerial stand, litter and the productive potential as well as the limiting factors of the sites were diagnosed. The results indicate that the sites in Concepción and Nacimiento presented a greater productivity with regards to the Santa Juana and Los Sauces sites. Productivity was determined principally by natural fertility of the soils. The most limiting factors were low organic matter content, deficiency of N, P and B, a closed structure with high bulk density, low total pore volume and difficult rooting. The most restrictive conditions were found in Santa Juana where besides the above, deficient summer hydric balance worsens the situation. Management of these soils should be mainly orientated towards favouring organic matter increase and improvement of physical conditions.