Pastures fertilization effect on basic density of Pinus radiata D. Don

Abstract

The effects of pasture fertilization on basic density of Pinus radiata wood growing in silvopastoral sistem, for two trials submitted to different fertilization schemes: fertilized pasture and unfertilized pasture, are shown in this study. In addition, the different social classes existing in the dominant, intermediate and suppressed stands, are considered. To determine the basic density of wood, disks extracted at a diameter breast height, where annual rings were separated, measuring for each one of them its green volume and dry weight, were used. Statistical analyses showed that density of wood was effected by pasture fertilization, remaining its effect for a period of two and three years depending on the social class. Pasture fertilization effects are higher in the suppressed trees, lower in the intermediate trees, and without any effect in the dominant trees. As a general conclusion it was determined that pastures fertilization decreases basic density on Pinus radiata, especially during its first 10 years of tree growth. It was also found that on trees growing on pastures, there is no significant variation on basic density of wood during their first 10 years of growth. This behavior is the result of the intensive management of the trees forcing them to compete for light for forage development.