Yield–density effects on growth and biomass partitioning in Leucaena leucocephala seedlings

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of density on growth and biomass partitioning of Leucaena leucocephala seedlings. Four plantations with densities of 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, and 80,000 seedlings ha−1 were evaluated only from 15 to 25 months after planting. At 15 months, crown height and width decreased with increasing density. Seedling height/dbh ratios increased with increasing density. Biomass increased with greater density according to the yield–density effect equation, which was evident for all densities. With increasing age, biomass division to branches and leaves increased, whereas partitioning to roots decreased in the 10,000 and 20,000 seedlings ha−1 plantings. Partitioning to branches and leaves remained relatively steady, while partitioning to roots increased in the 40,000 and 80,000 seedlings ha−1 plantings. Biomass division into stem and bark components remained relatively steady in all densities. Yield–density and organ yield–density curves shifted upward with increasing seedling age on a log–log graph throughout the experimental period.