EARLY GROWTH IN VOLUME AND HEIGHT OF <em>BOMBACOPSIS</em> <em>QUINATUM</em> IN COSTA RICA PLANTATIONS

Abstract

Five pochote (Bombacopsis quinatum) plantations were sampled in Costa Rica using stem analysis methods to determine annual volume increment and patterns of height growth. Based on regressions relating cumulative stem volume to current diameter and age, and utilising the diameter tally of trees on plots, the cumulative total stem volume (inside bark) per hectare for stems on plots at time of sampling was determined for each site. Estimates of total stem volume ranged up to 110m³ ha^-1 in nine years. A 28-year-old stand with considerably fewer trees per hectare due to mortality of alternate rows of plantain and limited harvesting has a total stem volume of 170 ms ha^-1. Tree volume equations are presented. Regressions were also derived to relate cumulative volumes in previous years to diameter of trees in the respective year. Methods are discussed for developing this relationship.