Plantation Establishment Techniques in Tropical America

Tropical plantation management is not unlike its counterpart in temperate areas. Management principles are the same, although the applications may be somewhat modified, depending on the particular species, site, and product desired. Because there is no cold dormant season, tropical planting must be done at the beginning of the rainy season. Although container seedlings are generally planted, bareroot planting of pines is done on a large scale in eastern Venezuela, and bareroot stump plantings are made with some of the large diameter hardwood seedlings in several countries. Applied research and pilot plant trials are an absolute necessity for selecting the best locally adapted planting material, as well as for improving plantation productivity through genetic improvement. Intensive site preparation and fertilization are common practices in operational plantations in the Tropics and are generally required for successful establishment and growth. The greatest difference between North American and tropical planting practices is the need for post-planting weed and grass control in the Tropics. Most tropical plantations are made with exotic species, which are usually pest free initially. Pest problems eventually do occur, however, but with good research and help from experts, threats from pests can be minimized or, in some cases, even eliminated. Tree Planters' Notes 43(4):125-132; 1992.

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Author(s): William E. Ladrach

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volumes 43, Number 4 (1992)

Section: Invited Peer-Reviewed Review Articles

Volume: 43

Number: 4