SITE INDEX EQUATION FOR <em>GMELINA</em> <em>ARBOREA</em> PULPWOOD PLANTATIONS IN OLUWA FOREST RESERVE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A site index equation for estimating site quality of Gmelina arborea plantations in Oluwa Forest Reserve, Nigeria, was developed using a base age of ten years. The plantations age ranged from seven to twelve years. The data were collected from 42 temporary sample plots of 20 x 20 m. The site index (SI) equation developed in terms of the dominant height (Hd) and age (A) was SI=exp [ l n (Hd) + 3.28 (0.1-A^-1)] A site index curve was also developed. Based on this curve, the plantation was divided into five site quality classes. A 12-y-old stand was found to have a site index range of 20.8 to 43.2 m among these five classes, showing that G. arborea is growing well in Oluwa Forest Reserve.