ENRICHMENT PLANTING IN OVEREXPLOITED SUBTROPICAL FORESTS OF THE PARANAENSE REGION OF MISIONES, ARGENTINA

Line enrichment experiments using native species of commercial value w ere established in overexploited forests in Misiones, Argentina, on pu blic and private lands. Ten timber species were tested, as well as Eut erpe edulis (palmito) which can be harvested after 10-12 years for its heart of palm. Four to 7 years after planting, the timber species wit h the greatest mean height and diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) were Bastardiopsis densiflora, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Nectandra la nceolata, Ocotea puberula and Peltophorum dubium. Cordia trichotoma an d Balflurodendron riedelianum, both highly appreciated timber species, could also be recommended for enrichment despite their relatively slo wer growth. The palm E. edulis had a low survival rate but the remaini ng individuals showed good height and d.b.h. Labor costs associated wi th establishment and care of enrichment plantings were similar to othe r reports for the region. The incorporation of species with a short ha rvest age and a high economic value such as the palm E. edulis can acc elerate and increase investment returns of enrichment plantings. Thoug h long-term results are required to document the potential for growth and quality of production for each species, results from the experimen ts described in this article can provide insights to the use of these species in the enrichment of overexploited and secondary forests in th e region. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.