Evaluación dasométrica y edáfica en una plantación de Eucalyptus globulus Labill en la comunidad de Tunshi grande, provincia de Chimborazo, Ecuador.

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate a plantation of Eucalyptus globulus in a dasometric and edaphic way which was in the Tunshi Grande town, Chimborazo province. It was conducted due to the need to generate information that allows acquiring technical indicators that will be the baseline for silvicultural management decision-making regarding issues of growth and productivity. To carry out this study, the place was recognized, and GPS data was taken to later elaborate a map in order to determine the surface of the plantation and establish the sampling intensity, number of plots, and number of pits for the edaphic evaluation. The sampling was of a simple random type with an intensity of 2 % in eight sampling units for the evaluation of growth and productivity, recording the height with a clinometer, and the diameter at breast height with a tape. For the test pits, five points were established analyzing the different plantation levels, these were made by removing and forming a 1 m3 cube, sampling from 0-30 cm and from 30-100 cm where the soil profiles were shown, as well as the samples that were collected from 5 pits at two depths with three repetitions, giving a total of 30 samples which were analyzed in the ESPOCH FRN soil laboratory. It determined their color, consistency, real density, texture, organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, and chemical elements. The average values of the trees were: diameter, 0.12 m, height, 12.77 m, basal area, 0.01 m2, total volume, 0.13; the consistency of the soil fluctuated from slightly hard to very hard, having a loamy-sandy texture and an apparent density that varied from 1.2 to 1.51 g/L. The soil, being alkaline, was not very favorable for the species of Eucalyptus globulus. So, it was recommended to carry out edaphic studies before establishing the plantations.