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 i s crucial for sound agroforestry production. In this study, survival, growt h and site index for laurel (Cordia alliodora (Ruiz and Pavon) Oken.) were measured between 1987-1999 in two forestry (line plantings and pure plantat ions) and four agroforestry systems (taungya and three laurel - cacao (Theo broma cacao L.) systems) in the lowland humid tropics of Costa Rica and Pan ama. Mortality ranged between 2 and 52% at age nine years. Poor drainage, f looding 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) - lau rel 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 i ntensively managed crops (e.g., cacao, plantain or taungya sequences).