Effect of fertilization on the performance of adult Pinus pinea Trees

Abstract

Pinus pinea (stone pine) is a multipurpose Mediterranean species with interesting potential given its high growth and good adaptation in several countries, including Chile. Its greatest value lies in the production of cones, which contain pine nuts of high nutritional value. In general, its cultivation is carried out in unmanaged forests and plantations, with intensive management techniques being studied to stimulate diameter growth, which is positively related to fruit production. We evaluated the effect of fertilization in a 30-year-old plantation and found significant effects of fertilization on DBH annual growth (35% higher than the control) and in cone production (3 times higher). The results showed that fertilization is a useful practice to improve the productivity of the species.