Comparisons of Chilean and New Zealand radiata pine plantations

Authors: R. Fenton
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1979, Issue N.Z.J.For. 24(1) 1979, pp 13-24, May 1979
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Factors favouring development of radiata pine plantations in Chile are an abundant supply of cheap land (US$50-$100/ ha) of fairly good site quality (24 to 30 m top height at age 20) and easy topography, that is rarely more than 120 km from ports. The trees lack multiple leaders and grow reasonably straight; dense stocking is maintained in stands up to at least age 25 years.
There is a 75% government rebate on direct establishment costs for new planting. Labour costs are US$2.40 to $8.00 per day. Extraction costs range from US$4.70/m3 for mechanised clearfelling to US$5.40/m3 for thinning.
Dothistroma has been present for at least 8 years but is not serious over most of the plantation area. Sporadic losses from Diplodia remain unquantified, although they are apparently increasing in severity.
The present cut is 8 million m3 per year. It is probable that volumes of 17 to 26 million m3 annually will be available from 1990, and at least 30 million m? annually from 1996 to 2000 if net planting of 86 000 ha per year is sustained.
Management is, or will be, entirely in private hands; planning is under way on how best to utilise these volumes for export. Chile is the only large-scale producer of softwoods in Latin America, but this advantage may decrease if Caribbean pine plantations are successful in Brazil and Venezuela.
Export destinations and products are relatively diverse; the fastest growth at present is in the export log trade to Korea.
Top management calibre is high. The competitive position of Chile in radiata pine markets will be formidable if present trends and planting rates are continued.

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