Growth characteristics of some native tree species used in silvopastoral systems in the humid lowlands of Costa Rica

Research for developing silvopastoral systems includes tree species selection and management, and interactions of trees with pastures. In the Caribbean humid lowlands of Costa Rica, total height, diameters at breast height (DBH), survival, basal area and bole volume were compared among three plantations with four species each, in pure stands as well as in the mixture of the four species. In Plantation 1, at 86 months old the pure plantations of Jacaranda copaia and Vochysia guatemalensis, and the mixed plantations (Jacaranda copaia + Vochysia guatemalensis + Calophyllum brasiliense + Stryphnodendron microstachyum) had the largest DBH. Vochysia guatemalensis is one of the most preferred species in the region for reforestation of degraded pastures, while Jacaranda copaia is not preferred because it has low local economic value. In Plantation 2, at 81 months, the greatest DBH was found in Virola koschnyi, Terminalia amazonia and the mixed plantations (Virola koschnyi + Terminalia amazonia + Dipteryx panamensis + Pseudosamanea guachapele). Dipteryx panamensis has good economic value and has a relatively open canopy that produces moderate shade. Virola koschnyi and Terminalia amazonia have denser canopies, are preferred by farmers, and they could be planted in low density in silvopastoral systems. In Plantation 3, at 70 months, the greatest DBH was found in Vochysia ferruginea, Hieronyma alchorneoides and the mixed plantation (Vochysia ferruginea + Hieronyma alchorneoides + Genipa americana + Balizia elegans). Most of these species are currently used in silvopastoral systems in the region. Mixed plantations may combine beneficial effects of the different species' characteristics, with the additional advantage of product diversification.