SITE QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF <em>LEUCAENA</em> <em>LEUCOCEPHALA</em> IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

A comprehensive study was undertaken to determine the relationship between age and dominant height (tree-site index method) and between site index and site properties (soil-site index method) for Leucaena leucocephala (also locally known as giant ipil-ipil). Development of tree-site index prediction equation was based on temporary sample plots established at sites representing the four climatic types of the Philippines. The variation in tree-site index as explained by age accounted for 66, 82, 88 and 79% for climatic types 1,2,3 and 4 respectively. The factors that most influenced soil-site index were depth; phosphorus, magnesium and calcium contents; cation exchange capacity; and pH. The results showed that the tree-site index method was a more practical method to use than the soil-site index method.