Irrigation and fertilization as tools to boost growth stability of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) plantations

LOEWE-MUÑOZ, V.; DEL RIO, R.; DELARD, C.; BALZARINI, M.

FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2020 vol. 463

0378-1127

inus pinea is a Mediterranean species that has been found to grow and develop vigorously in Chile. This species is resistant to drought; however, it has been found to be sensitive to increasing aridity. A few studies have reported the effects of irrigation and fertilization on growth, but no detailed studies have considered the effects of both management techniques to improve growth stability. In this work, daily stem diameter variations (SDVs) in stone pine were monitored for a whole growth year using digital dendrometers in a 31-year-old plantation in Chile. Four management practices were assessed as tools to boost growth: fertilization, irrigation, their combination, and control. Daily growth series showed a marked synchronicity among trees of different management schemes. The combined treatment (fertilization and irrigation) resulted in a 25% longer growing period and greater growth than the control. During the fastest stem growth period, daily diameter increments were, on average