Soil fertility characterisation of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantations in Central America

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is an important species in the worldwide quality tropical hardwood sector, which has gained significance in Central America since the first large plantations were established in the 1980s. The present work is a descriptive study that aims to: (1) analyse and characterise the general soil patterns which may be influencing teak plantations in Central America; (2) assess differences between countries and sub-regions; (3) create a global framework to help contextualise the soil fertility analyses conducted at sub-regional or farm level, and (4) determine the main problems associated with soil fertility in the region. Soil fertility was measured at 684 sites in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. Although teak is considered to be a species with high soil nutrient requirements, and high fertility is usually assumed in teak plantations, the results show that this species has been planted in a wide variety of soils, including many with serious fertility problems (e.g. Ultisols and perhaps Oxisols) or with added difficulties due to their physical properties (e.g. Vertisols). The present analysis reveals a general K deficiency in the Central American teak plantations, where P deficiency and acidity toxicity are also relatively common problems. These soil fertility problems probably stem from poor site selection by forest managers in the 80s and 90s. Hence, although soil fertility is carefully evaluated when most teak plantations are established today, managers have to deal with soil fertility deficiencies in many sites where teak was established some years ago.