Survival, growth, timber productivity and site index of Cordia alliodora in forestry and agroforestry systems

Matching tree species to appropriate site conditions and stand management is crucial for sound agroforestry production. In this study, survival, growth and site index for laurel (Cordia alliodora (Ruiz and Pavon) Oken.) were measured between 1987-1999 in two forestry (line plantings and pure plantations) and four agroforestry systems (taungya and three laurel - cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) systems) in the lowland humid tropics of Costa Rica and Panama. Mortality ranged between 2 and 52% at age nine years. Poor drainage, flooding and high water tables resulted in low laurel survival on some sites. At age 5, laurel site index was 21 m in cacao - plantain (Musa AAB) - laurel associations (CLP), but only 15 m in line plantings. Diameter at breast height at that age was 28.5 cm in CLP and only 15.6 cm in pure plantations. Laurel growth and site index were high when planted in association with intensively managed crops (e.g., cacao, plantain or taungya sequences).