Ag-Network-Chile

Chilean forestry shows a marked tendency toward a monocultural approach (plantations of just one species- mainly Radiata Pine and Eucalyptus). Monocultural native, forests care referred to as "mono-specifics".

Wheat, potatoes, corn and fruit are usually grown as monocultures. However, while monoculture agriculture is considered acceptable, monoculture forestry has an unjustly deserved negative image.

Plants tend to be cultivated monoculturally since this method yields the best productive and economic rewards.

Forests of a single lurid o f tree occur spontaneously in nature. Radiata Pine is monocultural in California , its native habitat. So, too, in Chile are Alerce, Araucaria and Lenga trees.

A frequent objection to monocultural forests springs from the mistaken belief that they are considerably more susceptible to pests than stands of several species. Even if this were the case, those affected would be the plantations and the owners.

This is only a potential risk since the trees are harvested while they care still growing, and not at maturity, which is when they would be most vulnerable.

Since their introduction into the country over a century ago, Radiate Pine and Eucalyptus hate adapted exceedingly well, enabling them t o become highly resistant to numerous forest plagues.

Moreover, by not being in their native habitat, introduced species grown monoculturally are usually free from natural pests and diseases. Thus, planted forests can be healthier than naturally occurring ones and their profitability provides re­sources for their proper protection.

Through new silvicultural techniques, such as heavy thinning and pruning which allows more light, warmth and water to reach the soil, monocultural stands can attract and support a wide variety of complementary plants, as well as numerous kinds of animals.

It should also be pointed out that most monocultural forests are grown on degraded or barren land, thus assisting with the development and conservation of bio-diversity.

The content of this document (Chile, A Forestry Nation) was kindly provided by CORMA, Corporación Chilena de la Madera

• E-mail: corma@corma.cl
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