Growth curves for Pinus elliottii, Pinus taeda and Pinus radiata in two areas of the Calamuchita Valley (Cordoba, Argentina)

This study was confined to the Calamuchita Valley (Cordoba, Argentina). Three species of pines were included. P. radiata, P.elliottii and P. taeda. The objectives of the study were: 1. To adjust basal area mean annual increment (BA MAI) and current annual increment (BA CAI) curves for P. elliottii, P. taeda and P. radiata for two areas. 2. To identify the best growing species for each area. 3. To estimate the timing of intermediate and final cuts. Six stands were chosen and 30 trees were randomly selected in each stand. An increment core was taken from each sampled tree from bark to bark through the pith. Growth rings were measured and BA MAI and BA CAI were calculated. Growth curves were fitted for each stand and interception points between curves were found. It is concluded that: For the study conditions, no significant difference was found in BA CAI up to the age of 10 years, between species and study areas. The proper time for first commercial thinning is about Years 10-12, just before the BA CAI curve drops down. Interception between the growth curves occurs from Year 15 to Year 24, depending upon zones and species, with the exception of P. taeda curves (29-year-old plantation) which have not crossed yet. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.