Browsing by Author "Fernandez, M. P."

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    General above-stump volume and biomass functions for Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens
    (PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 2021) Gonzalez Benecke, Carlos A.; Fernandez, M. P.; Albaugh, T. J.; Ahumada, R.; Bown, H. E.; Gayoso, J.; Gerding, V; Mardones, O. B.; Rodriguez, A. R.; Rubilar, R.
    Accurate estimations of stem volume and tree component biomass are of paramount importance for the study and management of forests. In Chile, the most important commercial tree species are Pinus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens, which are successfully planted in other parts of the world. Available individual-tree allometric models are typically local models which do not include age or stand scale covariates and rely solely on stem diameter outside bark at breast height (DBH) and, in some cases, total tree height (H). We used data from 1571 trees across the distribution of the three species in Chile to develop general individual-tree equations for stem volume inside and outside bark, and biomass components (dead branch, live branch, foliage, bark and stem wood inside and outside bark). Our models include DBH or DBH and H as predicting variables, as well as stand-level variables like age, basal area and stand density. General allometric models that include stand-level variables have not been previously reported for P. radiata, E. globulus and E. nitens. Given the broad area of inference in our data, the models are applicable over a large geographical area and a variety of stand ages and characteristics and can be used to support management decisions or integrated in stand-level productivity models to enhance the accuracy and precision of model outputs. The collective effort behind this study is a remarkable example of cooperation across researchers and practitioners in order to address complex questions in a transdisciplinary world.
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    Sustainable management and use of a medicinal emblematic plant in Chile: Buddleja globosa Hope
    (2013) Wilckens, P.; Fernandez, M. P.; Gomez, M.; Pena, I.; Montenegro, G.
    Buddleja globosa Hope is a well-known native, medicinal plant because of its digestive and cicatrizing properties. Due to the increasing domestic and international demand, B. globosa abundance and distribution in Chile has resulted in the intensive exploitation of the plant's natural habitat, without consideration of the plant's regenerative capacity. The main objective of this research was to establish the B. globosa growth cycle and model its regeneration cycle. This would allow for more productive, efficient and sustainable use and management of this species, thus ensuring its long-term conservation. We selected two study sites, one wild and another one cultivated. In each one, ten individuals were marked as control treatments, for further observations, in order to quantify the monthly growth dynamics. Fifteen plants selected at random were marked in each site under study to know the regeneration rates with three pruning methods: apical, medium and basal (5 plants per treatment). The results showed significant differences between the control and management treatments on plants grown in the valley, and among the wild plants of the mountains. The biomass growth rates achieved in the treatments of pruning, and the period that those were maximum at both sites, allows us to recommend harvesting of B. globosa under a medium pruning management in January for the valley. For the mountain zones, it is suggested to conduct a partial apical-type harvest in December: this would allow that a part of the plant achieves the end of the flowering stage, which will contribute to seed dispersal and natural reproduction of the species.