Planted teak forests.
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the establishment and management of even-aged commercial teak plantations, across Asia/Oceania, Africa, and Latin America, aimed at producing solid wood products in the context of Sustainable Forest Management and Intensive Forest Management. In view of the broad scope of the subject, only some key issues are addressed in some depth: site selection, soil and nutrient management, standing stock regulation, and rotation age trends. Natural hazards are summarized, including fire risks, pest outbreaks, as well as climate change-related events such as strong winds and chronic or extreme drought-entailing significant risks for teak plantations. Finally, the chapter synthesizes the findings in a set of learned lessons and suggested policies aimed to improve sustainable forest management in teak plantations.