[IQP] Determining the Viability of Teak Growth in Central America

Sponsor: Oteima University
Student Team: Monika Nowak, Rosina Comatas, Tyler Stack, Timothy Santos-Heiman

Abstract: Teak is a popular plantation species and long-term investment across Central America. This project investigated favorable growth factors for teak as well as its economic and environmental sustainability, and then determined its viability in the region. The team conducted archival research and four expert interviews. Our organization of interview results revealed that soil, landscape, and plantation management are key factors in teak growth and helped the team come to this conclusion: while teak is a high value crop, the market is overly saturated, and the crop harms the water cycle and biodiversity. We compiled a series of recommendations for potential stakeholders that outline more sustainable alternatives such as intercropping, incorporation of native species, and silvopastoral systems.

Links: Final Report

This final report is available on the WPI eProjects 2.0 platform. Please click on the link above to learn more.