Evaluación dasométrica de Cedrela odorata L. en diferentes modelos de plantación forestal en el recinto El Carmen, cantón Santa Cruz, Galápagos.

Abstract

The present research proposed to evaluate the productivity, timber quality and elaborate a forest management proposal for 4 plantations and 3 windbreaks of Cedrela odorata for management purposes in the Galapagos Islands. By means of a systematic sampling inventory with circular plots with a radius of 8.92 m and 12.62 m, 26 plots were installed in the plantations and censuses were carried out in the windbreak system. Within each sampling unit, data was collected on quantitative variables such as diameter at breast height (DBH), total height and commercial height. Qualitative parameters such as stem straightness, phytosanitary condition, thick branches, bifurcation and log quality were also recorded. A sustainable forest management plan was developed that integrates material and financial resources. For data processing of quantitative variables, were used to calculate statistical estimators and frequency for qualitative variables. The results showed that plantation "A" reported the best average per tree with 0.61 m DBH, 7.35 m commercial height, while in the curtain system, plantation "F" obtained the best average per tree with 0.87 m DBH, 12.49 m commercial height. For the general quality index of the "A" plantation, it obtained a value of 1.47 and the "F" system a value of 1.81. A proposal was focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the 11 plantations. Finally, it was determined that plantation "A" is the one with the best growth and productivity values, and at the same time it fits in quality 1. For this reason, it is recommended to evaluate the productivity and quality of the species under study in other located plantations into the same canton, in order to get data to support the management plan.