Rooting and Growth of Cuttings of Bursera simarouba, Gliricidia sepium, and Spondias purpurea in Upland Stony, Upland Non-Stony and Lowland Non-Stony Soils in Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica

Abstract

Three indigenous Costa Rican tree species, Bursera simarouba, Gliricidia sepium, and Spondias purpurea, were grown from stem cuttings in an upland stony soil, an upland non-stony soil and a lowland non-stony soil. Cuttings were planted immediately before the rainy season. Sprouting of all three species on all three soils began within three weeks. Gliricidiacuttings were superior to the others in terms of survival, leaf retention, shoot, and root growth regardless of soil type. The upland clayey soil was least favorable for Gliricidiabut was the only soil in which Burseracuttings survived well. Nine months after plantation establishment, roots were more abundant in the upland stony soil, which is discussed in terms of its favorable properties.