HEIGHT GROWTH-MODEL BASED ON TEMPORARY PL OT MEASUREMENTS FOR EUCALYPTUS-SALIGNA IN CAMEROON

The height growth of Eucalyptus saligna (aged 4-19 years) was studied using data from 329 temporary plots established in 6 forest reserves i n Cameroon. Of the 5 growth functions tested the Johnson-Schumacher fu nction best fitted the data set The growth curves obtained revealed di fferences in growth patterns. The factors identified to be responsible for this polymorphic nature of the growth curves were, in decreasing order of importance, soil-type slope, altitude and topographic locatio n. The growth model obtained was hence modified to account for slope a nd topographic location. These models will serve as a basis for the de velopment of a growth and yield model for E. saligna.