Abstract

The study was done in a coffee agroforestry system with cedar (Cedrela odorata) in the canton of Perez Zeledon, San Jose, Costa Rica. Data from 74 20-years-old trees was used, diameter (D, cm) at 0.30 and 1.30 m, and total height (m) were measured with diameter tape and clinometer, respectively. From 3 m in height, the diameter was measured with a criterion dendrometer RD1000 every 1.5 m. Tree volume was estimated with the Smaliam equation and classified into the following products: large logs for sawmill (D ≥ 30 cm), small logs for sawmill (20 cm ≤ D < 30 cm), pallets (10 cm ≤ D < 20 cm), firewood (5 cm ≤ D < 10 cm) and waste (D < 5 cm). Tree volume for this sample was grouped by type of product and diameter class. Average tree volume was 1.97 m³ (SD= 0.9419), 78 % (1.54 m³), and 16 % (0.31 m³), distributed in large and small logs for the sawmill, respectively, represent the mayor economic income for the owner. Pellets, firewood, and waste represented 7 % (0.13 m³), 0.53 % (0.01 m³) and 0.06 % (0.001 m³) of average tree volume, respectively; these three products had a higher percentage in diametric classes less than 25 cm and decreased as tree diameter increased.

Key words: Volume per product; multiproduct; wood yield