Growth and yield models for teak plantations in Costa Rica

Volume equations for commercial teakwood, site index curves and provisional empirical yield tables were developed and presented for teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) at Bosque Puerto Carrillo S.A. plantations in Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica. These plantations were established in 1986 and are the first serious teak plantation projects under rational and intensive silvicultural management in Central America. Height curves for three site indices: 23, 21 and 19 m at a reference age of 10 years were built. Yield tables proposed for an average thinning regime correspond to the three site indices defined. The silvicultural model has been developed using data from the yearly inventories of Bosque Puerto Carrillo. Hence, the obtained silvicultural model should be validated and adjusted, if necessary, at the end of the first rotation.