Growth and site relationships of Pinus caribaea across the Caribbean Basin

funded a project to study the effects of site on the growth and yield of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var hondurensis). Research was conducted in four countries (Costa Rica, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Venezuela) and compared with baseline data from Puerto Rico. This report summarizes the findings in nontechnical language. For each country, the report provides a short history of pine management, followed by a section on geology and soils at the research site. Growth data are presented and ranked against results for each of the other countries. General stand conditions are reviewed, covering percentages of deformed trees, cone/seed production, and important disturbances such as fires and wind damage. Observations on physical and chemical properties are summarized for surface and subsurface soil horizons. Finally, suggestions are given for forest management strategies and new research in each country. The research revealed no major soil nutrient imbalances; yields were not associated with specific soil types, such as clays, sands, or loams, or with life zones, but were higher on well-drained and moist sites. Tree form was poor in every country. Trinidad, Costa Rica, and Venezuela had very high percentages of forked trees; the latter two countries also had a very high percentage of foxtail trees, as did Puerto Rico. Most plots had few cones per tree and showed little evidence of past or recent flowering. Insect or pathogen damage existed in Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Venezuela, while fires were a hazard in all countries but seldom caused damage unless plantings were young and had thin bark. Wind damage was most severe in Jamaica and Puerto Rico.