Early growth performance of native and introduced fast growing tree species in wet to sub-humid climates of the Southern region of Costa Rica

摘要: Abstract Early growth performance of six native and two introduced tree species was studied for seven years at 16 sites in the Southern region Costa Rica. Selected study represent a wide environmental gradient that ranges from acid low fertility soils such as Ustic Haplohumults Typic Haplustults to fertile Hapludand Fluventic Eutropepts. Mean annual precipitation 2600 4500 mm length dry season none more than three months each year. The experimental layout randomized complete block design nested within four eco-regions, with all plots on private farms. size plot 11 × 11 trees planted spacing 3 × 3 m sampling 7 × 7 trees. included initial trials were: Pinus caribaea Morelet var hondurensis (Barret y Golfari) Gmelina arborea Roxb (from Honduras southeast Asian regions, both which benefit genetic selection), Terminalia amazonia (J. F. Gmelin) Exell, Vochysia ferruginea Mart., guatemalensis Donn. Sm., Hieronyma alchorneoides Fr. Allemao, Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) S. Blake (collected extensively this project indigenous populations across Rica). All were measured annually data collected height, DBH mortality. Composited soil samples taken depths site characterize chemical physical properties. In general, highly responsive much less so. yield dominant stand height higher well defined selected species. As nutrient water supply improved, differences between decreased mean yield. Two (Calophyllum parabyba) had 80% mortality almost during first establishment. results contrasts findings obtained Northern Rica Ultisols (Typic Tropohumult), where least out-competed best species, spp. Results are mainly attributed pronounced ustic moisture regime is able be tolerated by but not seedlings.