Soil Physical and Chemical Attributes and Their Relation to Pinus taeda Growth and Productivity.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of soil chemical and physical attributes on the productivity of 20 year-old Pinus taeda stands planted on different soil types and with different growth rates, four sites were selected based on previous inventory, in two municipalities in the State of Paraná. Experimental plots were established on these areas where dominant trees were selected. Data on DBH and height were recorded and stem cross section disks at different heights were collected. Also, soil samples at different depths were collected. Growth variables and tree volumes were analyzed and correlations with soil chemical and physical traits were estimated. The results showed that wood production was influenced mainly by soil physical traits. Of special importance was the amount of moisture available in the soil and the resistance to root penetration. On poor sites, productivity can beincreased by adopting some silvicultural measures such as pruning, thinning, fertilization and soil tillage.