SITE VARIABLES CONTROLLING TEAK (<em>TECTONA</em> <em>GRANDIS</em>) GROWTH IN THE HIGH FOREST ZONE OF GHANA

Abstract

Investigations of site variables controlling teak (Tectona grandis) growth are necessary in order to recommend guidelines for the selection of suitable and highly productive sites for industrial scale teak plantation establishment. Regression techniques were used to relate teak dominant height (DH) growth with soil textural properties under teak plantations in the High Forest Zone of Ghana. Soil samples were collected from 28 (1 x 1m) soil pits, in both A-horizon (about 0-20 cm) and B-horizon (about 20-60 cm), at 14 plots. Data on plot means were pooled for regression analyses. Dominant height was negatively correlated with sand (r = -0.9047, p< 0.001), and was positively correlated with silt (r = 0.6103) and clay (r = 0.5998) both at (p < 0.05). Multiple regression relationships indicate that DH can be accurately predicted (R² = 0.82, p< 0.001) from sand, or (R² = 0.81, p< 0.001) from silt and clay. It is recommended that prior to establishment of teak plantations, site evaluation should consider these relationships. Developed models can also be extended to other exotic tree species both in the study location and other comparable sites.