Growth, Productivity, and Biomass–Carbon Allometry in Teak (Tectona grandis) Plantations of Western Mexico

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is a leading tropical plantation species valued for high-quality timber and carbon (C) storage. This study assessed stand growth across ages and sites, quantified biomass and C by tree component and stand, and developed DBH-based allometric equations for biomass and C estimation. Six stand ages (5, 6, 9, 11, 14, and 17 years) were assessed in three municipalities of Nayarit, Mexico. Dendrometric inventories in permanent plots and destructive sampling of 35 trees provided calibration data for leaves, branches, stem, and roots. C concentration was determined with an elemental analyzer, and nonlinear regression models were adjusted and validated. Stand biomass and C increased with age, peaking at ages 11–14 (>130 Mg ha⁻¹; >60 Mg C ha⁻¹), with lower values at age 17. San Blas and Rosamorada accumulated significantly more than Tuxpan, reflecting site quality. C concentration was stable across sites and ages, with stem and roots consistently ranging between 48% and 50%, and leaves and branches averaging 45%–46%. Allometric equations were most accurate for stem and total biomass/C (R² = 0.73–0.79), while foliage showed higher variability. On average, 60%–70% of biomass was allocated to the stem and 15%–20% to roots. Indicators were stable, with an aboveground-to-belowground ratio (A:B) ≈ 4.9 and a biomass expansion factor (BEF) ≈ 1.5. The current annual increment (CAI) presented two main peaks: ~20 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ at ages 5–6 and ~11 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ at ages 9–11, followed by a decline after age 14. Teak in western Mexico reaches peak productivity at ages 6–11, with belowground biomass essential for accurate C accounting.