This report is an output of the project Hardwood Plantations in the Tropics and Subtropics (GCP/INT/628/UK), funded by the United Kingdom and executed by FAO. The overall aim of this project was to contribute to regional and global planning of timber (specifically hardwood timber) supplies in the medium-term. This study covered the case study of melina hardwood plantations in Central America.
In Central America there are a total of 225,000 ha of forestry plantations of which 52,000 ha (23%) have been planted with melina. Up until 1997, Costa Rica had a total of 49,300 ha planted with melina. This represented 94% of the total area that has been reforested with the species in Central America and 22% of the total reforested area in the region. Melina has been used in reforestation projects since 1979, however, it was not until 1986 that the species began to be used in large scale projects.
70% of the area established with melina has been planted by national tree growers using State incentives. The remaining 30% of the area corresponds to projects established by tree growers or companies that use their own capital. Within this category, the most important project is the Ston Forestal Company which has established approximately 14,000 ha to 1998.
The species grows in the tropical life zones where the average annual precipitation is between 1,000 and 3,000 mm, from sea level to 500 m of elevation and with average temperatures between 24 and 35 C. In Costa Rica it has been observed growing well up to 600 m above sea level with average annual precipitation of up to 2,500 mm and 2 - 4 dry months per year. Two or three intermediate thinnings and three prunings are recommended.
The mean annual increment in total volume has been estimated between 7 and 30 m3/ha/year at 12 years of age for the lowest and highest site indexes, respectively. The experience generated in Costa Rica with the species show that higher volume increments can be achieved like 30 and 50 m3/ha/year in southern Costa Rica in plantations established with genetically improved seed with the appropriate fertilization and weed control programs. The profitability of a melina plantation (internal return rate) has been calculated to be between 12% and 18% depending on the quality of the site and the price of the wood.
Melina wood in Central America was earlier not been thought to be able to compete with native forest species. However, the increase in forest use restrictions has reduced the availability of native forest raw materials and has produced the need for seeking alternative wood sources.
All the experience generated in Costa Rica predicts that this species, along with teak, will have the most potential for expansion of planted areas. It is estimated that in 2020, the country could have 100,000 hectares planted with melina, double what it has now. In addition, if more area is planted with the species, by the year 2010 the market could have up to 1.5 million m3 of roundwood annually, both for national consumption as well as for use in crafting furniture and high quality items for export.
