RCAAP Repository

Studies that address the appropriate use of forest resources are essential for the management and conservation of forest remnants, such as the Araucaria Forest. Considering the importance to improve the knowledge of the tree species growth in subtropical regions, the present study aimed to assess the intra-annual diameter growth of tree species in Colombo County, Paraná State, Brazil. In November 2009 dendrometer bands were installed in adult trees (15 to 25 trees) of 9 species among the most frequent in the studied Araucaria Forest remnant. The increment in diameter were measured monthly until June 2011. Ocotea bicolor grew faster and more constant than the other species. This may be due to lower coverage of the trees canopies, making easier to O. bicolor trees to access light and consequently resulting in improvement in growth. The highest growth of all species occurred in Fall of 2011, season preceded by a Winter of low rainfall (2010`s Winter), in which the sun light was more available for the photosynthetic production.

The mite Tetranychus urticae (Kock, 1836) (Acari: Tetranychidae) has been reported and the injuries characterized for the first time in nursery of teak (Tectona grandis) in Brazil.

Height growth analysis presents great importance in forestry, as it expresses site production capacity. Its use is associated with lower adjustment error models to generate estimates to inference with precision and reliability. The present study examined generalized linear models in predicting height growth of Pinus taeda L. depending on the age and diameter at 1.30 m height above ground level in stands in the highlands of Santa Catarina State. The data were obtained from complete stem analysis of 25 trees with 8 years old, divided into diameter classes from Lages, SC. Data were processed in original form without variables transformation. The model with gamma distribution and identity link function presented the best fit, with superior performance criteria deviation (1.21), Akaike (255.39) and residuals homogenization, showing potential to generate estimates of the variable.

The production of native species requires the knowledge of the best substrates and subsequent initial growth of these seedlings. This work aimed to evaluate the initial growth cedar seedlings (Cedrela fissilis Vell.) in different substrates and their initial establishment in field. The experiment was conducted in two stages. The first was conducted in nursery in a randomized block design with four replications. Each plot consisted of four seedlings in plastic bags. The treatments consisted of eight different substrates: T1 (sand+ soil+manure 1:1:1), T2 (sand+soil+Plantmax 1:1:1), T3 (soil+manure 1:1), T4 (soil+Plantmax® 1:1), T5 (soil+manure 2:1), T6 (soil+Plantmax 2:1), T7 (soil+sand 1:1) and T8 (soil). Plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, canopy diameter and quality indexes were evaluate. It was found that the best growth and quality of cedar seedlings grown in nurseries were obtained with treatments sand+soil+manure (1:1:1), soil+manure (2:1) and soil+manure (1:1). The substrates used in the seedlings production in the nursery influence seedling growth cedar in the field, and the best results observed for height growth and stem diameter in nursery remain after planting in the field.

The study aimed at the energetic description of wood and bark biomass of Acacia mearnsii De Wild. in two spacing plantations: 2.0 m × 3.0 m × 1.0 m and 1.5 m, during 36 months after the planting. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Frederico Westphalen, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Biomass (BIO), calorific value, basic density, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon content and energy density (ED) of wood and bark were determined. The smallest spacing plantation presented the highest production per unit area of BIO and ED of wood and bark.

The aim of this study was to compare three alternative methods to determine the moisture content of wood logs with the method recommended by ABNT. The moisture content of the wood was determined in a sawdust sample and with a electric meter capacitive. it was also determined the moisture content of a disk sample using the method recommended by ABNT. Using the regression model, all the methods were statistically similar. It was concluded that the use of alternative methods for determining the moisture content of wood in logs is feasible, to substitute the traditional method, but corrections must be implemented.

The objective of the present was to characterize the quality of briquettes produced with fines of vegetable coal and bamboo residues, under different formulations. Specific gravity density, bulk density mass, moisture content and speed or rate of thermic degradation were evaluated. Compressive strength and rotation test were applied to the briquettes. Superior and inferior calorific values from briquettes were estimate by adjusted equations. Briquettes produced with the highest percentages of vegetable coal fines presented higher specific gravity, bulk density, ash content and fixed carbon. It also presented resistance to fall and abrasion. Briquettes with higher bamboo residues content presented faster degradation, higher compressive strength, beyond higher volatile matters and calorific value.

This study evaluated exponent taper-shape models and other types applied in Brazil. Data from 270 sample trees scaled-hybrid Eucalyptus urophylla and Eucalyptus grandis were used as a studying case with 18 taper types models: simple (2), biomathematics (4), segmented (2) and exponent-form (10). It was adopted the analysis of the residual distribution and statistics: multiple linear correlation, residual standard error, percentage of no significant parcels in a completely randomized split plot and average error Dunnett, both at the level of 5% significance level. It was concluded that models of taper-shape exponents, in general, are superior to other types, the segmented model of Clark et al. is superior to Max and Burkhart biomathematics and the model developed in this paper, is better than the other biomathematics evaluated.

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress factor, adversely affecting many aspects of plants physiology and biochemistry. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preconditioning seeds of Gallesia integrifolia with potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sodium nitroprussiate (SNP) under saline stress. Seeds were treated through the preconditioning immersion in solutions with five concentrations of KNO3 (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L-1) and of SNP (0, 0 01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L-1) for one hour. Then, they were distributed in previously moistened filter paper sheets with saline solutions in three osmotic potentials (0, -0.6 and -1.2 MPa). The paper rolls were kept in germination chamber type BOD under alternating temperature of 20-30 °C with photoperiod of 8/16 h for 22 days. It was observed that lower osmotic potential resulted in reduction for all variables average. The osmotic potential of -1.2 MPa influenced negatively the germination and vigor of G. integrifolia. KNO3 and SNP at concentration of 1 mg L-1 reduces the saline effect in seeds.

The agroforestry systems (AFS) are part of the strategic actions to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), which compose the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC). Considering the importance of these systems in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon it is necessary to evaluate this potential of carbon storage in order to encourage this activity in the context of Brazilian public policy on climate change. In this sense, it is aimed to systematize the available data in the bibliographic, demonstrating carbon storage of different agroforestry arrangements. The data indicated large variation in the average increment of carbon in agroforestry systems ranging from 1.26 t C ha-1 yr-1 to 11.19 t C ha-1 yr-1, depending on its structure and age. Thus, estimates of carbon storage in AFS should be one of the factors to be considered to encourage this activity and the choice of arrangement to be adopted. Finally, we infer that these systems have a great importance to make agricultural management practices more environmentally sustainable and for the mitigation of GHG emissions.

Aspidosperma pyrifolium (Apocynaceae) and Caesalpinia pyramidalis (Fabaceae) share the same habitat in the Brazilian Caatinga domain. In this paper, we investigate the intra and inter-species interactions between these two plants using spatial pattern analysis among cohorts. The results showed that the adult trees of each species present higher densities at distances shorter than 9 m to 12 m. However, due to seed dispersal via autochory, we expected a more aggregate density for C. pyramidalis than A. pyrifolium as the later disperses seeds through anemochory. Difference in spatial aggregation among cohorts was not observed and therefore the results contradict the expectations of the Janzen-Connell hypothesis. It is likely that this is associated with anthropogenic factors in the past such as fire, animal husbandry and logging. Using a bivariate analysis of the neighborhood density, we also confirmed the significant coexistence between the two species. This coexistence could be explained by the process of positive interspecific interactions, such as facilitation, which is common in semi-arid regions under stressful conditions.

This study aimed to compare three sampling methods: fixed area, Bitterlich, and Prodan, regarding accuracy and relative efficiency to estimate the variables: diameter at 1.30 m above soil level (DBH), number of trees, basal area, and volume. The limit of error established was 10% at probability level of 95%, using 30 plots for each method. Circumference at 1.30 m above soil level was measured, for conversion in DBH, with total time counted since the plots installation until the last tree measured. The most accurate sampling was the fixed area method, for estimation of DBH and number of trees per hectare, whereas the Bitterlich method was the most accurate for estimation of basal area and volume. Bitterlich method proved to be more efficient for estimation of all variables. It can be concluded that the accuracy is not directly associated with relative efficiency, and that less usual sampling.

African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) is a forest species of high value in international trade and it presents great potential to replace the Brazilian mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Currently, little is known about the nutritional requirements of African mahogany. So, the present work aims to induce the onset of visual symptoms of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in seedlings of African mahogany. It was carried out an experiment using nutrient solution with the following treatments: T1 - Complete Solution; T2 - omission of N; T3 - omission of P; T4 - omission of K and T5 - deionized water. The symptoms of macronutrients deficiency in African mahogany were evident, compromising the seedlings growth.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the initial growth and biomass partitioning of mulungu (Erythrina velutina Willd.) seedlings under different rates of phosphorus in the presence and absence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (FMA’s). A randomized blocks design in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement was used, with four replicates and three plants per plot. Treatments consisted of five phosphorus rates (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg.Kg soil-1), using as source the superphosphate fertilizer, and presence or absence of FMA’s. At 98 days after sowing (DAS), shoot height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf chlorophyll index, leaf dry matter, stem dry matter, root dry matter, leaf area, Dickson quality index and height/stem diameter ratio were evaluated. The phosphorus rate of 200 mg.kg-1 proved to be the most efficient for production of Erythrina velutina seedlings, but with a significant reduction in the biological association of this plant with rhizobacteria. Biomass distribution within the different parts of the plants did not change with distinct rates of P, and there were no benefits in the use of FMA’s until 98 DAS.

Floristic composition and structure of the tree component were analyzed in a coastal peat forest of the Toto Beach, located in the southern region of Lagoa dos Patos (31º43’39”S e 52º12’04”W). The phytosociological sampling was conducted on a sample area of 0.1 ha. All trees with DBH ≥ 4.8 cm were included. The species richness found was equivalent to 23 species distributed in 20 genera and 15 families. Two endangered species were sampled. The total tree density estimated for one hectare was equivalent to 3,480 trees. The most important species in the forest structure were Ocotea sp., Myrcia multiflora, Psidium cattleyanum, Ocotea pulchella, Myrsine lorentziana, Citharexyllum myrianthum, Ilex dumosa, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Guapira opposita and Sebastiania brasiliensis. The species diversity estimated by the Shannon index was 2,174 nats.ind.-1 and evenness (J) was 0.684. The forest structure, number of taxa and diversity are similar to other surveys carried out in swamp forests of southern and southeastern Brazil. These parameters must be considered in the environmental licensing and ecological restoration projects of this forest type.

The objective of this work to evaluate the influence of the position of baru seeds, the emergence and early seedling development. The test was conducted in a greenhouse experiment in randomized blocks, with five treatments (seeding position), with four replications, positions were: A - Hilo up, B - hilo down C - hilum and raphe aside, D - horizontal raphe up, E - horizontal raphe down. It was observed that the seeds deposited at the position B (heel down) provided better emergence and seedling development. We evaluated the emergence, speed of emergence index, plant height, stem diameter, root length, dry mass of air, root dry weight, relative AP/DC, FSPA/FSR and Dickson quality index. The emergence and early seedling development baru were influenced by sowing position. The seeds deposited with the hilum down provided better results.

In this work, from the equation y=bxr, a methodology that links the different geometric solids in four segments of standing trees trunks was developed. Data from 1297 scaled trees of the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla were used for the preliminary analysis and independent data from another 65 scaled trees for the validation of the developed methodology related to the taper and volume predictions. The evaluation criteria of the quality and fitness of the methodology were based on the graphic analyses of the residuals and on the followings statistics: mean percentual deviation, residual standard error, accuracy obtained from the Chi-square test and the variance analyses by the Entirely Randomized Design in Subdivided Blocs with the use of the Dunnett test, both at 0.05 significance level. It was concluded that from a greometric solid, or optimized dendrometric prototype, it is possible to simulated the scaling of standing trees, measuring the trunk diameters located only at: 0.3 m, 1.3 m, h-2/2 and on h-1,25/1,25, besides the total height h, whose processes were included in a methodology named Relative Height Method with Two Diameters (hr2D).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the wood and charcoal quality of young Eucalyptus spp. trees, and to verify the influence of age and clone on the energy performance of these fuels. It was sampled the clones 1277 and 0321 of Eucalyptus spp. in two ages (46 and 58 months). The characteristics determined in the wood were: chemical molecular and elementary, basic density, carbon stocks and lignin by volume, the energy density and heating values (higher and lower). The charcoal was produced in an electric furnace (muffle) with the final temperature of 450 °C. It was conducted the mass balance and carbonization energy, beyond the immediate evaluation of the chemical composition, apparent density and calorific value of charcoal. The clone 1277, at the age 58 months, is the most suitable for the charcoal production for steel industry and direct combustion of wood, because it showed better results for basic density, energy density, carbon stocks and lignin per unit volume and the lignin content of the wood. The clonal effect and age did not influence the content of fixed carbon and volatile materials, the calorific values, the gravimetric yield in charcoal and energy losses of carbonization.

This paper aimed to evaluate the accuracy of taper functions fitted with and without stratification on Pinus sp. trees. Three strata were allocated using diameter at 1.3 m above the ground, artificial form factor and Schiffel’s form quotient as stratification criteria. Schöepfer, Kozak et al. Hradetzky, Garcia et al., Ormerod and Demaerchalk taper functions were tested and the one which best fitted to the total population was selected by statistics standard error of estimate in percentage (syx%), adjusted coefficient of determination (R²aj.) and residual scatterplots. After this, the selected function was fitted with data stratified and the gain of accuracy was evaluated by two statistical methods. As results, Hradetzky’s function adjusted better when compared to the others. Equations obtained for the total population and for strata are statistically different. Stratification by form factor and by form quotient provide considerable reduction of errors, reaching up to 50%, however it was not observed expressive reduction for stratification by diameter at 1.3 above the ground. So, the stratification by form factor is recommended for fitting taper functions to boles of Pinus sp.

The aim of this study was to determine the physical and energetic properties of wood and charcoal obtained by carbonization of Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemão (licurana). Coal produced in family farming Biguaçu, SC, is to supplement the income. The most important results are: specific gravity of the timber presented 530 Kg m-³ and the gross calorific value greater of 4.315 kcal kg-1. The coal gravimetric yield was 37% and gross calorific value was 6.740 kcal kg-1. The wood of H. alchorneoides presents physical properties suitable for charcoal production. The charcoal showed excellent gravimetric yield.