Estimating Regional Eucalyptus Productivity Using a Soil-Site Model and GIS in Chile.

Chile has more than 330000 ha of Eucalyptus plantation concentrated between the 34 and 41°S, approximately. Eucalyptus productivity is quiet variable across the different locations. The objective of this work was to estimate the correlation between several soil-site properties and and E. globulus and E. nitens productivity for 2 regions in Chile based on 10 year-old Eucalyptus field measurements and incorporating satellite images (SRTM), and existing soil and site information for both regions. We first adjusted a productive model base on Eucalyptus stands information and the geographical location. We then included soil-site characteristics into the model. Finally we adjusted a non-parametric model to estimate the Eucalyptus variability across both regions using geographical and soil characteristics. Our model indicated that Eucalyptus productivity have a significant variability across the Coastal Range, the Andes Mountains and the central valley. The elevation, soil water holding capacity and the available N significantly affected Eucalyptus productivity across the two regions. Eucalyptus productivity is higher in the Andes Mountains with higher soil N and water holding capacity, associated with soil depth and texture.