Nutrient stability of Pinus radiata (D. Don) plantations at five typical sites of the VIII Region

Abstract

The stability of Pinus radiata plantations was studied at five sites in relation to the nutrient balance and its projection over time. Granite, red clay soils, sea silt, young volcanic ash and andesitic-basaltic sands were assessed through a vegetation reserve index (IRV) and the cost of nutrient elements. The IRVs for 25-year-old stands were calculated, taking into account reserve fractions (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and exchange fractions (K, Ca, Mg) of the soil. It can be concluded from the results that each site presents different degrees of stability depending on the nutrient element considered. The level of stability is more closely related to the kind of soil than to the level of productivity. Management measures, which may keep or improve the nutrient balance of the sites on the basis of sustainability, can be derived from this.