Soil acidity saturation and liming on the growth of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) planted in acid soils of Costa Rica

Abstract

Besides other soils in Costa Rica, teak is also planted in clayey, red, and acid soils (Inceptisols and Ultisols) of the northern and southern regions of the country. This study demonstrate the high sensitivity of teak to soil acidity saturation (% Ac. Sat.) since the annual height increment of the trees is severely reduced at values as low as 3% Ac. Sat. A similar effect was found when soil calcium saturation was below 68%, reflecting the need of teak for this element. Under these conditions, a 59% increment in growth was obtained when 1 kg CaCO3 per tree was applied and a 216% increment in tree height was attained when the same amount of lime plus 150 g of the fertilizer formula 14-22-15-4-5 (N-P2O5–K2O-MgO-S) per tree were added together to a one year old plantation.