Silvicultural Parameters Research Articles

Silvicultural and economic aspects on combination of vegetatives (Falcataria moluccana-Sorghum bicolor L.) and terrace methods in the different slope lands

The vegetative and mechanic methods are soil and water conservation technology to prevent surface run off and soil erosion as well as protect soil nutrient. The study objectives were to know silvicultural and economic aspects on combination of vegetatives between Falcataria moluccana (sengon) and Sorghum bicolor L. (sorghum) and terrace methods in a steep slope (>25-45%) and a very steep slope (>45%) lands. The silvicultural parameters measured were healthy plant, survival rate, stem diameter, and height increments of sengon trees and sorghum’ yield. The economic aspect was analyzed to calculate the cost, revenue, and profit of the application of sorghum as intercropping plants in vegetative method. The healthy plant of sengon and sorghum reached 80-89% (good), survival rate of sengon reached 80-89% (good) and sorghum reached 90% (very good), stem diameter and height increments of sengon trees reached 2.90 cm year−1 and 2.06 m year−1, and the height increment of sorghum was 45.55 cm month−1 in the steep slope (>25-45%). In the very steep slope (>45%), healty plant of sengon and sorghum were 70-79% (moderate) and 80-89% (good), survival rate of sengon and sorghum was 80-89% (good), stem diameter and height increments of sengon were 2.43 cm year-1 and 1.73 m year−1, and height increment of sorghum was 33.05 cm month−1. Total cost, total revenue, and profit of the vegetative (sengon and sorghum) and terrace methods combination in the steep slope (>25-45%) were Rp9,181,128.47 ha−1cs−1; Rp1,800,000.00 ha−1 cs−1; and (-)Rp7,181,128.47 ha−1cs−1, respectively. In the steeper ground (>45%), this application expended total cost as much as Rp9,181,128.47 ha−1cs−1, total revenue as much as Rp650,000.00 ha−1cs−1, and profit as much as (-)Rp8,531,128.47 ha−1cs−1. Although sorghum was not profitable economically as intercropping plant in agroforestry system (sengon-sorghum) in different slope lands for short term, the method combination between vegetative (sengon-sorghum) and terrace techniques could useful to soil and water conservation as well as environmental aspect for long term.

Silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace systems in soils of different slopes

Abstract. Karyati, Sarminah S, Karmini, Rujehan, Lestari VFE, Panorama WS. 2019. Silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace systems in soils of different slopes. Biodiversitas 20: xxxx. Soil and water conservation techniques involving a combination of vegetative and mechanical systems will increase the benefits from both conservation aspect as well as economic aspect. This study was aimed at analyzing the silvicultural, hydro-orological and economic aspects of a combination of vegetative (Falcataria moluccana-Vigna cylindrica) and terrace system in soils of different slopes (a steep and a very steep slope gradient). The silvicultural parameters examined in this study were the ground coverage of V. cylindrica growth and survival rate, stem diameter and height of F. moluccana trees. The hydro-orological parameters included erosion rate, erosion hazard index, erosion hazard class, and erosion hazard level. The economic parameters included total cost, total revenue, and profit. The result showed that the survival rate, diameter increment and height increment of F. moluccana, and ground coverage of V. cylindrica in the land with the steep slope (>25-45%) was 90%, 2.02 cm year-1, 1.54 m year-1, and 80-90%, respectively. The erosion rate, erosion hazard index, erosion hazard class, and erosion hazard level in this steep slope was 0.38 ton ha year-1, 0.03 (low), I (very low), and very low, respectively. In the steeper ground (>45%), the survival rate of F. moluccana reached 90%, the V. cylindrica coverage was 70-79% and the diameter and height increment of F. moluccana was 1.63 cm year-1 and 1.19 m year-1, respectively. The erosion rate was 1.81 ton ha-1 year-1, erosion hazard index of 0.13 (low), erosion hazard class was I (very low), and erosion hazard level was low in the very steep slope land. The profit from V. cylindrica was Rp 3,865,000.00 ha-1 cropping season-1 and Rp 665,000.00 ha-1 cropping season-1 in steep slope and very steep slope, respectively. The application of the proposed combination of vegetative and terrace system could reduce surface runoff and erosion rate in the long term, in addition to providing short term economic benefits.

Формування лісової підстилки в деревостанах за участю липи дрібнолистої в умовах свіжої грабової діброви Західного Поділля

Досліджено формування лісової підстилки в 41-100-річних деревостанів за участю липи дрібнолистої. У складі деревостанів частка липи і дуба коливається від поодиноких дерев до 10 одиниць. У них також представлені клен гостролистий і явір, граб звичайний, в'яз голий, ясен звичайний, черешня та інші види. У деревостанах свіжої грабової діброви Західного Поділля запас не розкладеної лісової підстилки наприкінці вегетаційного періоду коливається в межах 0,28-1,34 кг/м2. Встановлено найменший запас підстилки в деревостанах, де частка липи становить 8-10 одиниць. Відносно чистого липового деревостану в мішаних запас лісової підстилки істотно зріс – у 1,61-4,78 раза. У його складі переважає листя деревних видів, маса якого становить 0,19-1,15 кг/м2 або 51,5-86,3 %. Маса пагонів, плодів, кори тощо у складі лісової підстилки коливається в межах 0,08-0,54 кг/м2 (13,7-48,5 %). Зв'язок нагромадження лісової підстилки з часткою липи у складі деревостанів характеризується тісною зворотною кореляційною залежністю (r = –0,68). Коефіцієнт варіації загальної маси лісової підстилки в деревостанах коливається в межах 6,3-32,1 %. Переважає слабкий і середній рівень мінливості. Аналогічною мінливістю характеризується фракція листя у складі лісової підстилки (V = 5,2–33,9 %). Встановлено значне зростання варіювання фракції пагонів, кори, плодів тощо у складі лісової підстилки, що характеризується переважанням сильних значень коефіцієнтів варіації.Ключові слова: дубові деревостани; лісова підстилка; опад; лісівничо-таксаційні показники; липа дрібнолиста.

Rehabilitation and soil conservation of degraded land using sengon (Falcataria moluccana) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agroforestry system

Sarminah S, Karyati, Karmini, Simbolon J, Tambunan E. 2018. Rehabilitation and soil conservation of degraded land using sengon (Falcataria moluccana) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agroforestry system. Biodiversitas 19: 222-228. Rehabilitation and soil conservation effort on degraded lands is not always a success. Multiple factors, such as the field’ biogeophysical conditions and the choice of suitable plant species determine the effectivity of the rehabilitation program. Our research aimed to implement agroforestry system of sengon (Falcataria moluccana) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) on degraded land at different soil slopes (a steep and a slightly steep slope gradient) and to analyze the effect of the system on silvicultural and hydro-orological aspects of the degraded land. The silvicultural parameters examined in this study were the ground coverage of peanut growth and the stem diameter and height of sengon trees. Meanwhile, the hydro-orological parameters included potential erosion rate, erosion hazard index, and erosion hazard level. Our study revealed that on the land with the slightly steep slope (15-25%), the survival rate of sengon reached 90%, the ground coverage of the peanuts was 70-80%, the diameter and height increment of sengon trees reached 2.47 cm/year and 17.58 cm/year, respectively. Meanwhile, the potential erosion rate was 20.05 ton/ha/year, with an erosion hazard index of 0.80 (low) and a low hazard level. In the steeper ground (25-40%), the survival rate of sengon reached 90%, the peanut coverage was 50-60% and the diameter and height increment of the sengon were 2.37 cm/year and 16.41 cm/year, respectively. In the steep ground, potential erosion rate was 45.50 ton/ha/year, with an erosion hazard index of 3.25 (moderate) and a low hazard level. We concluded that the rehabilitation and soil conservation using sengon-peanut agroforestry system effectively suppressed erosion rate to a low erosion hazard.

Study of the Young Growth of Main Forest-forming Coniferous Species in the Primary Forests of the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve

This paper presents the results of studies of the young growth of main forest-forming coniferous species in four types of native cedar forest of the Sikhote-Alin nature reserve. The following types of young growth were measured: Manchurian fir (Abies nephrolepis), Ajan spruce (Picea ajanensis), Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata), and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis). The research was conducted during 5 field seasons from 2008 to 2012 at 4 permanent study areas. For each species, the common silvicultural parameters, distribution of height, age of young growth and dynamics of the average apical growth data for the twenty-year period were identified and analysed. It was established that the size and strength of young growth are affected by complex forest site conditions that are determined by: the composition of the parent canopy, stand age, and position in the landscape. The growing conditions for young growth conifers are more favourable in mountain cedar forests compared to cedar forests in a valley. A parent canopy of a specific phytocenosis forms a unique microclimate, significantly weakening and softening the impact of macro-climate indicators of the growing area on the value of the apical growth of young growth. Spruce young growth is the most responsive to changes in climatic parameters and Korean pine young growth is the least responsive.

Disclosing biome sensitivity to atmospheric changes: Stable C isotope ecophysiological dependences during photosynthetic CO2 uptake in Maritime pine and Scots pine ecosystems from southwestern Europe

Abstract Background: The late XX century showed a sharp atmospheric δ 13 CO 2 decline mainly ascribed to increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) resulting from fossil fuel combustion. Thus, in the current global-warming scenario, a deep knowledge of biosphere–atmosphere interactions became especially relevant to adopt appropriate guidelines for climate change management. Objective: Although tree-rings can attest long-term atmospheric composition trends, C isotopic variability among individual trees often disturbs the accurate interpretation of 13 C atmospheric changes from tree-rings at different timescales. Therefore, the aim of this research is to overcome this intertree variability by applying an isotopic approach that can practically absorb high-frequency climatic irregularities and genetic variabilities from dendrochronological series, hence allowing the accurate deconvolution of past atmospheric composition to improve current models. Methods: This research is based on original isotopic dendrochronological results obtained by performing tree-by-tree differential studies with intra-tree δ 13 C shifts to allow interspecies data standardization. Results: The isotopic composition of dendrochronological series collected from northwestern Spanish coniferous ecosystems clearly reflected the corresponding atmospheric 13 C changes but the stringency of the match also depended on some silvicultural parameters, tree-ring isotopic composition being able to exhibit either a magnification or attenuation of atmospheric changes according to specific metabolic differences that modulate photosynthetic 13 C discrimination in each ecological context. Conclusion: Relative isotopic changes revealed from our 25-year-long dendrological research, which properly mirrored the contemporary atmospheric 13 CO 2 composition (1978–2002), also showed the biome sensitivity to atmospheric changes, pointing towards a notable aptitude to respond to even incipient mitigation strategies and a significant resilience capacity of the Earth system.

Selection of Candidate Plus Trees of commercially important agro forestry species in Punjab

The present article aims towards the development of procedure and criteria for selecting the CPTs of six fast growing Agroforestry species in State of Punjab. Superiority of growth rate of the selected CPTs was compared with the average of surrounding check trees and scores were assigned to each seleced CPTs for various silvicultural parameters indicating higher productivity and good health. The CPTs were further ranked on the basis of assigned scores, which helped in identifying the best suitable CPTs for each selected species. A total 19, 16,15,14,8 and 11 CPTs were identified for Eucalyptus spp., Dalbergia sissoo, Albizia procera, Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica and Melia composita respectively through out the State. CPT No. 9, 14, 10, 1, 3 and 10 were ranked as the best among their group for Eucalyptus spp., Dalbergia sissoo, Albizia procera, Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica and Melia composita species respectively. Besides, superiority index of all the selected species was calculated, which is expected to further help in identifying the best individuals for the progeny trials and multi-locationals clonal trials.

Peso medio de las bellotas de Quercus robur L. en Galicia. Influencia de factores fisiográficos y dasométricos.

The starting point of this work has been the accomplishment of a forest inventory in stands of the most abundant autochthonous species of the kind Quercus in the Peninsular Northwest (Quercus robur L., Q. pyrenaica Willd. and Q. petraea (Matts.) Liebl.). With the obtained information, have been calculated the ecological and silvicultural parameters needed to characterize ecologically the forest station and also describe, from the stand point of forestry, such stands so that it is possible to know the potential of the different locations for obtaining of suitable wood for aging wine, allowing even know in advance whether or not perform silvicultural activities to achieve that objective. On the other hand, the information xilology (wood physical parameters, such as the proportion of bark, sapwood and heartwood, density, porosity and grain of the wood) obtained from different samples from trees felled in the stands inventoried, will allow us to value the suitability of the wood for the production of barrels of species studied.

Modelling silviculture alternatives for managing Pinus pinea L.

A yield model was developed to simulate silviculture alternatives for Pinus pinea L. in north-east Spain (Catalonia). The model uses several functions to estimate the main silvicultural parameters at stand level and a disaggregation system to predict diameter distributions. From a network of 75 temporary plots a system of equations to predict stand variables was simultaneously fitted for two stand density types, namely low and high density stands, using the threestage least-squares method (3SLS). The diameter distributions were estimated by the Weibull distribution function using the parameter recovery method (PRM) and the method of moments. Based on this yield model, two silviculture alternatives were simulated for each stand density type and site class, resulting in 16 silviculture scenarios. The yield model and silviculture alternatives offer a management tool and a guide for the sustainable forest management of evenaged Pinus pinea forests in this region.

Influence of geographical location, site and silvicultural parameters, on volatile composition of Quercus pyrenaica Willd. wood used in wine aging

For the current study, the volatile and semi-volatile composition of several samples of Quercus pyrenaica wood from NW Spain were analyzed and compared. The research was performed on a wide sample set of more than 100 samples (test tubes) obtained from different stands of this species. The relationship between some silvicultural and site parameters and volatile composition was studied. Altitude seemed to be the most influential parameter on the volatile composition. However, other factors such as distance from tree center, average annual precipitation, and number of trees per hectare whose effects on the volatile compounds were not significant. The influence of soil texture was not a determining factor while geographical location seemed to have a more specific impact on the extractive volatile content. The content of all extractable compounds studied allowed a good separation of oak samples of the same species according to their geographical origin.

In-stand scenic beauty of variable retention harvests and mature forests in the U.S. Pacific Northwest: The effects of basal area, density, retention pattern and down wood

Tensions between amenity- and timber-based economies in the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Northwest motivated a study of scenic beauty inside mature forests and timber harvests. A diverse sample of regional forests, measures of forest structure, and large, representative samples of photographs and public judges were employed to measure scenic beauty inside un-harvested mature and old-growth forests, and timber harvests. The latter varied systematically in down wood levels and retention level and pattern. Scenic beauty tended to be optimized at a basal area of 110–155 m 3/ha and/or 700–900 trees/ha. Older forests and those with larger trees were perceived to be more beautiful. In harvests, greater retention levels, less down wood, and dispersed rather than aggregated retention patterns contributed to aesthetic improvements. Green-tree retention harvests offer considerable potential gains in perceived scenic beauty compared to perceived very ugly clearcuts, particularly at higher retention levels. These gains are more reliable from dispersed retention patterns. The silvicultural parameters studied change strength in affecting scenic beauty with changes in retention level. These interactions are explored in relation to a range of scenic quality objectives as an aid to planners, visual impact analysts, and silviculturists.

Relationship between ecological indicators and teak wood characteristics in Tchorogo plantation (Togo)

In the Tchorogo teak plantation in the Central Region of Togo (1°00'E, 8°21'N), a contribution to the sustainable forest management was implemented through the study of the relationship between ecological indicators and anatomical parameters of teak wood. To do this, three phytocoenoses have been described in the forest, using the synusial approach inside the undergrowth plant communities. In each phytocoenose, silvicultural parameters of plantations and anatomical properties of teak wood were studied taking into account the age of the trees. Results showed that teak productivity level, which is linked to the fibre properties of teak wood varied significantly (F749,2=71.81; P Togolese teak plantations. Keywords: Teak plantation, Togo, phytocoenose, ecological indicators, teak wood, anatomical properties.

Ecological and silvicultural indicatory value of plant-communities of Koto forest reserve (Centre-Benin)

A study was carried out in Koto forest reserve in central Benin (6°56’ to 7°02’ of north lat. and 02°03’ to 02°09’ of east long), in order to contribute to the sustainable management of the forest. Phytosociological inventory was done using the synusial approach. Soils were studied through texture surveys, pedological profiles description and laboratory analysis. Silvicultural parameters of plantations were studied using temporary sample plots of 300 m². The study helps to identify and describe twenty-two basic plantcommunities named synusia. Based on their relationships, the synusia have been combined to describe seven phytocoenoses (plant-communities). Each non pioneer phytocoenose is an expression of specific ecological conditions. The study of plantation productivity has shown remarkable homogeneity of productivity level within each non pioneer phytocoenose. Analysis of variance reveals a significant difference at 5% of probability level between the productivity levels of the phytocoenoses. Three productivity levels are identified according to phytocoenoses. The study leads to the conclusion that phytosociology is a reliable tool for forest management.

Modelling of forest conversion planning with an adaptive simulation-optimization approach and simultaneous consideration of the values of timber, carbon and biodiversity

The paper presents a combined simulation–optimization approach to model forest conversion planning taking the values of timber, carbon and biodiversity into account. The development of a virtual age-class forest was predicted by adopting a single tree forest growth tool, “TreeGrOSS”. The effects of different conversion regimes with continuous variables describing silvicultural prescriptions were monitored for a finite conversion period of forty years in stand level. Dynamic linear programming was employed to adaptively solve the multi-period large-scale optimization problem of a forest enterprise encompassing five different age-classes of pure Norway spruce ( Picea abies, L. Karst) stands. The global net present values of biodiversity, carbon sequestration and timber production along with the wood even flow constraint, were considered simultaneously. The obtained optimal sylvicultural pathway differed not only among different stands but also sometimes within a given stand. The integration of the utility of biodiversity into the optimization procedure favoured conversion strategies that foresee the establishment of beech regeneration in all forest stands. The simultaneous consideration of all mentioned utilities resulted in a global utility of 27451 €/ha consisting of 14499 (53%), 3412 (12%), 764 (3%), and 8777 (32%) €/ha for the value of timber, carbon, biodiversity, and standing volume respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the threshold from which no major changes in the relevant silvicultural parameters occurred was observed at 30 €/t carbon price with an interest rate of 2%.

Analyse financière de scénarios sylvicoles visant la production de bois d’oeuvre de bouleaux jaune et à papier

A financial profitability analysis is presented for a particular case study in Québec, using forest data coming from a management stratum located in the region of La Tuque, Quebec. Two silvicultural systems adapted to birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton and Betula papyrifera Marsh.) regeneration and production, one based on shelterwood cutting and the other on patch cutting combined with single tree selection cutting, are compared over a 120-year period. The Sylva II model has been used to simulate stratum and wood products evolution through time. The financial performance of each scenario is described as the internal rate of return and the net present value. The results demonstrate that both treatments can be profitable and that patch clearcutting combined with the single tree selection cutting system is slightly more profitable than the second system evaluated. The sensitivity analysis shows that, from all criteria considered, treatment costs and product value are the most sensitive parameters. The evolution scenario parameter appears to be the less sensitive one. Finally, the product allocation matrix is the most sensitive of all silvicultural parameters. Although results are relevant for this particular case only, the approach can be broadly applied.

Autecology of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) in the north-west Iberian Peninsula

The autecology of Quercus petraea Matts (Liebl.) in the north-west Iberian Peninsula was investigated by applying the methodology based on the parametric description and classification of the species habitat. For this, it was necessary to conduct a plot discriminant analysis to identify those parameters that have a greater descriptive weight, using TWINSPAN. The distribution of the species was first determined so that a minimum number of representative samples could be selected. In total, 52 plots were chosen, in each of which 41 biotope parameters were established (six physiographic, 17 climatic and 18 edaphic), along with 19 dendrometric and silvicultural parameters. The parametric characterization allowed the description of both central and marginal physiographic-climatic and edaphic habitats of the sessile oak in the study area and an assessment of the effect of environmental factors on its present silvicultural status. Principal components analysis was used to calculate the existing variability in the stands and to compare with the groups created by TWINSPAN. The results show that, within the studied area, sessile oak forests occur at altitudes of between 540 and 1400 m, a range that corresponds to a difference in mean annual temperature of more than 6°C; however, the main climatic feature that defines these forests is the abundance of precipitation, with a annual mean around 1590 mm and precipitation in the summer months higher than 300 mm. Quercus petraea is less resistant to low temperatures than the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and generally shows a longer growth period.

Autoecology of sweet-chestnut stands in Andalucia (Spain)

This paper is a characterization of the chestnut stand biotopes in Andalucia (Spain). The distribution of these stands is quite iregular, with four areas of chestnut tree dominant presence, located in Granada, Huelva, Malaga y Sevilla respectively, totalling over 9.000 ha. In these locations, 23 forest sites have been evaluated by computing a set of 34 phytoecological parameters and 7 silvicultural parameters. The sampling design was based on the Spanish Forest Map (Ceballos, 1966) overlaid on the Biogeoclimatic Classification of the Peninsular and Balearic Spain (Elena, 1996).This information has made it possible to establish the physioclimatic and edaphic habitat of the chestnut stands in Andalucia and to characterize their current silvicultural situation. As result, chestnut forest sites in Andalucia show the following features:1. Chestnut woodstands display strong heterogeneity, as a result of their human use, with four areas of discontinuous presence, absence of forestry uniformity and very different conservation and stability conditions.2. The most restrictive parameters in the chestnut stand biotopes have turned out being those retaled to thermic conditions (over 15 _C of anual temperature average) and to the soil reaction (moderately acid in all the cases).3. Chestnut stands occupy heterogeneous biotopes, with a high elevation range, marked summer aridity conditions and very varied edaphic textures that produce highly different conditions of permeability, soil water holding capacity and edaphoclimatic behaviour.4. The analysed soils are mainly classified as Cambisols and Luvisols, with predominant dystric and chromic units.

Autoecology of chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) in Galicia (Spain)

A stratified sampling on 22 plots has been carried out on chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) stands in Galicia (Spain). Central and marginal parameters ranges have been stablished for defining physiographic, climatic and soil habitat diagrams of chetnut stands. Most stands are located between 400 and 750 m elevation, with around 1,300 mm annual rainfall. According to FAO criteria, soil are classified as distric Cambisols and distric Luvisols. Several silvicultural parameters have also been calculated. After their correlation with the ecological ones, it is concluded that the best Galician chestnut forest sites are located on northern aspects, with low summer drought and around 13 C/N ratio in soils. Finally, a comparative analysis between chestnut habitat and habitat of three other tree species of the region shows that chesnut has less ecological aptitude than pedunculate oak, Maritime pine and Monterrey pine.

Influence of silvicultural practices and population genetics on management of the spruce sawfly, Cephalcia arvensis

The web-spinning sawfly Cephalcia arvensis is a defoliator of the Norway spruce ( Picea abies) in Northern Eurasia. Four outbreaks have been recorded in the last 15 years in Czech Republic and in Italy. A comparative analysis of the involved populations revealed noticeable differences in phenology, leading to a strong variation in life cycle and voltinism. A population already known as `spring form' for the early emergence of adults, and morphologically distinguishable at the prepupal stage, has been found to be genetically different from populations emerging later, as far as allozymes and chromosomes are concerned. The high biological and genetic variability observed among populations of C. arvensis allows these sawflies to become adapted to a wide range of local conditions, contributing in this way to the differentiation of local races and species. In spite of this variability, all the outbreaks occurred in Norway spruce plantations characterized by about the same silvicultural parameters (50-to-100-year-old, high density and medium to high quality), located outside or on the border of the natural range of the host plant, and thus undergoing various environmental stresses. As the silvicultural conditions of the stressed stands may determine the risk of outbreak, the integration of cultural methods (selection of planting areas and of regeneration material, selective cutting of mature stands to increase diversity) in pest management seems to be very important. The management of the pest would also benefit from extending monitoring to cover all the phenological variants, because an early detection of the outbreak is essential for a successful application of the biocontrol techniques presently available.

Autoecology of sweet-chestnut stands in Catalonia (Spain)

Optimum and marginal parameter ranges have been established for defining landform, climatic and soil habitat diagrams of chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) woodstands in Catalonia. Such diagrams show that most of the Catalonian chestnut stands are located on soils developed from igneous rocks, with predominant sandyloamy textures. According to FAO criteria, soils are classified as Cambisols. Although soil water holding capacities are considerably low, it does not occur significant drought stress. Despite their relatively high acidity, soil humus form are forest mull. Moreover, several silvicultural parameters have been calculated. After their correlation with the ecological ones, it is concluded that the best chestnut forest sites are located around 750 m elevation, with 240 mm spring rainfall, 11.5 ºC mean annual temperature, and 20 ºC mean temperature at the hottest month.