INITIAL FERTILIZATION IN COMMERCIAL PLANTATIONS OF TEAK (Tectona grandis Linn F.) IN SOUTHEAST MÉXICO

Abstract

Southeast México could potentially harbor commercial forest plantations (CFP). Although CFP acreage is increasing in that region, results from field experiments with exotic and fast growing species are seldom published. This work shows results from a factorial experiment carried out from 2009 to 2012 which evaluated effects of NPK fertilization and micronutrients, on initial growth of teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.). Three levels of each factor N, P and K resulted in 27 combinations, which were distributed according to a randomized block design. Twin plots where established to test the effect of adding micronutrients. Fertilization dosages were identified as the normally used average in teak CFP (control), and high or low if they were 50 % higher or lower in relation to average doses. Results showed a small, but significant, single effect on basal diameter growth (2 mm/year) with high N. There were no effects on tree growth due to P fertilization. Unexpectedly, K affects tree growth negatively for basal area increments (-3.6 cm^2/year). Results suggest that high additions of K may influence the absorption of other nutrients. No significant effects were found for NPK interaction or micronutrients addition.