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Site selection, site preparation, and weed control for Gmelina arborea in western Venezuela

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Abstract

Good site selection, site preparation, and weed control are some of the silvicultural practices that can lead to improved yields, reduced rotation lengths, and increased economic returns for plantations of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (gmelina). Site preparation is the major cost in developing a timber stand and its cost must be carried for the entire rotation. Therefore, it is important to select a cost-effective method that meets the needs of both the site and landowner. Proper site selection for field planting is important due to the influence it has on the development of the plantation. Some of the objectives of site preparation are the reduction of competition, improvement of adverse soil conditions, reduction of future fire hazard and increasing the availability of resources by improving the quality and/or quantity of soil volume exploited by tree roots. The objective of this paper is to review and summarize existing methods of site selection, site preparation and weed control for the establishment of gmelina plantations in west-central Venezuela.

Palabras Clave: Silvicultura, Selección del sitio, Preparación de terreno, Control de malezas

Resumen. La selección del sitio, preparación del terreno y control de malezas son algunas de las prácticas silviculturales que pueden ser encabezadas para mejorar los redimientos, reducir el turno de rotación e incrementar el retorno económico. La preparación de terreno es la actividad mas costosa en el desarrollo de un rodal de madera y ese costo debe ser llevado hasta el final del turno o cosecha; entonces, es importante seleccionar un método que sea económico, efectivo y que a su vez reúna las necesidades del sitio y del propietario. Una apropiada selección del sitio para el establecimiento de la plantación es importante debido a la contribución que este tiene sobre el buen desarrollo de la plantación. Algunos de los objetivos de la preparación de terreno son la reducción de la competencia; mejorar las condiciones adversas del suelo; reducir el riesgo de incendios; además de incrementar la disponibilidad de recursos a través de un incremento de la calidad y/o cantidad de suelo explotado por las raíces de los arboles. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar y resumir los métodos existentes sobre selección del sitio, preparación de terreno y control de malezas para el establecimiento de plantaciones de Gmelina arborea Roxb. (gmelina) en el centro-occidente de Venezuela.

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  1. Smurfit Cartón de Venezuela, Acarigua, Venezuela(e-mail

    JesÚs A. Espinoza

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  1. JesÚs A. Espinoza
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Espinoza, J.A. Site selection, site preparation, and weed control for Gmelina arborea in western Venezuela. New Forests 28, 217–226 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:NEFO.0000040949.63618.25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:NEFO.0000040949.63618.25

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