RCAAP Repository

Australian red cedar is a widespread species in Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions of Brazil, which achieves high productivity. It has wood of excellent quality for noble purposes. However, in Southern Brazil it presents growth adjustment problems due to frost occurrence. The aim of the study was to verify cold tolerance and silvicultural potential of Australian red cedar in two locations in Southern Brazil. Treatments consisted of pure stand of Australian red cedar, and mixed plantation with Mimosa scabrella and Eucalyptus benthamii in Lages, SC and pure stand and under Pinus taeda in Ibiam, SC. For two years after implantation survival, damage by frost, fork/budding, total height and stem diameter were evaluated. Australian red cedar showed serious damage by frost in Lages, dramatically reducing survival and damaging silvicultural characteristics. Growing Australian red cedar under P. taeda in Ibiam presented low mortality due to frost. In this location pure stand also presented low mortality, however, frost effects were considerable. Australian red cedar plantation is not suitable for areas with occurrence of heavy frosts, however, in places with less severe frosts, planting under pine is a potential alternative.

Erythrina velutina Willd. is a wood species native to northeastern Brazil, used as ornamental and in reforestation programs. In this context, the aim of this study was to obtain information on the development of E. velutina under water restriction. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with a split plot with four replications. It was used two irrigation management schemes (with and without water stress) where in the first treatment the plants were cultivated with daily irrigation, in the morning and afternoon. For the second treatment, at 56 days after transplanting, the seedlings went through a period of 14 days without irrigation. Throughout the experiment, there were five evaluation of growth, at 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days after transplanting. The seedlings were analyzed for length of aerial part, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area and dry mass of stem, leaves, roots, aerial part, total dry matter and the ratio of aerial part and roots dry matter. E. velutina seedlings present potential to develop xeromorphic characteristics for conservative water use through different morphological adaptations as falling leaves and increased root development. Seedlings of E. velutina shall be grown without water restriction.

The better understanding of floristic composition and structure of natural regeneration in differents types of disturbances is essential to identify the degree of recovery of the area and silvicultural interventions to be eventually adopted in order to accelerate the process of forest sucession. The present study aimed to characterize the natural regeneration of 0.4 ha in the natural recovery process in the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Amazonas aiming to identify the potential of natural regeneration tendency for recovering the area. Tree saplings with height bigger than 10 cm were sampled in five plots of 15 m x 9 m. We registered 148 seedlings and saplings from eight botanical families, nine genera and thirteen tree species. After 14 months without interference, the area was dominated by species of the genus Vismia, which had the highest values of the most structural parameters (density, dominance, frequency, importance and coverage values). The studied site presents natural regeneration with low floristic diversity, dominated by individuals of pioneer species, which may be associated with the previews use as agriculture land, the short period since the last interference and the strong competition with grasses species.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of anthraquinone addition in the cooking curve, with different loads of reagents, through the kraft pulping process, of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla wood, to infer about the process parameters. The wood was transformed into chips and classified to conduct the kraft cooking curves. The applied loads were from 10% to 24% of active alkali, with an anthraquinone charge of 0.05% (on dry wood). We evaluated raw and screened yield, reject content, kappa number (delignification level) and residual active alkali. We observed that the addition of anthraquinone did not affect the process raw yield, but increased the screened yield by reducing reject content, especially for low loads of active alkali (10% and 12%). Another effect observed was the reduction of the kappa number with the addition of anthraquinone, which indicates the increase of the wood delignification rate. This is reinforced by the lower residual active alkali, which implies greater use of reagents in the process.

The 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acid (2,4-D) causes toxic effects on various cultivated crops surrounding the place in which it is sprayed due to drift. This work evaluated low doses of 2,4-D herbicide in simulated drifting on Caryocar brasiliense, Camb. seedlings. They were tested in a randomized complete block design with six replications, using herbicide acid equivalent doses of 0; 1.67, 3.35, 6.70, 16.75, 33.50, 67.00 and 134.00 g ha-1 . The experimental unit was a vessel containing one C. brasiliense plant. The application of 2,4-D caused low epinasty in leaves with values between 6.25 to 13.33% phytotoxicity in C. brasiliense. However, there was full recovery of the plants 15 days after application. Hormesis effect was observed for leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio variables. However, with increasing doses there were reductions in seedlings growth characterized by reduction in leaf variables and plants total dry matter. Compared to control (zero dose) higher values of assimilates partition for aerial part of the plants were observed.

The genera Eucalyptus is widely used by Brazilian industries. Nonetheless some concerns still persist regarding some of its technological properties. Aiming the improvement of the wood properties the heat treatment is being largely employed in Brazil. The objective of this research was to study the effect of heat treatment on physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus cloeziana. We sampled 5 trees with 21 years from which we used the first two logs with length of 3 m each. Heat treatment of 160 and 210 °C were applied for 1 h. The evaluate physical properties were equilibrium moisture content, mass reduction, loss of density, total swelling coefficient (linear and volumetric) and coefficient of anisotropy. The determination of the mechanical strength came through the test of maximum resistance to impact. There was a reduction of the material mass after application of the temperatures. The other evaluated physical properties indicate that the heat treatment was effective in increasing dimensional stability of species, especially under the temperature of 210 °C. However, the resistance to impact was drastically affected by temperature increasing.

The aim of this work was to estimate radial basic density variation in wood samples of different provenances of Grevillea robusta Cunn. The samples were taken from seven years old trees, from a provenance test in Itaipu Binational area located in the State of Parana, according to volumetric growth, considering excellent, intermediate and slow growth. The samples were taken bark to bark from the central board, from the first log, making sub samples of 1cm in radial direction. Basic density was determinate to each sub sample, and it was established the radial variation percentage, considering the smallest and biggest basic density value in the same ray. The average basic density was 0.47g/cm³, and percentage of radial variation was 12.9%. There were variation of the radial basic density among provenances and progenies, but no correlation between radial variation of basic density and trees diameter was detected. More conclusive results should be obtained with a wider sample.

The present work aimed to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of indolbutiric acid (0, 2000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 mg L-1) in the rooting of cuttings and vigor of the produced seedlings of Sapium glandulatum. The results obtained with relationship to the rooting indicated the best results for the dose of 6000 mg L-1 of AIB, with average of 52%, demonstrating this to be the most suitable concentration for the production of seedlings of this species. It was concluded that rooting cuttings technique of Sapium glandulatum is technically viable and could be used in the production of seedlings, thus overcoming problems of shortage of seeds and low germination rate. Also, it could be an alternative for production of seedlings all the year.

This paper presents results obtained for fitting equations to estimate volume and weight of aerial compartments of Grevillea robusta trees. Twelve trees representing four provenances were collected from an eight-year-old provenance trial located in the municipality of Anhembi, State of São Paulo. The trunks of the trees were segmented until the minimum diameter of 5 cm. The heartwood was measured till the height it was possible to be distinguished in the tree. Allometric models were the most suitable for this paper proposes. The inclusion of the combined variable (total height multiplied by the diameter at breast height) contributed to a better adjustment of most equations. The standard errors of the estimates were relatively high for heartwood and bark weight. It is worthwhile to point out the high correlation obtained among the weight of the leaves and sapwood weight. It deserves additional research face the high importance of the weight of the leaves to physiologically based growth models and practical difficulties of its estimation. The coefficients obtained for all models and variables studied are presented in the text.

This work aimed to evaluate the top cleft grafting, grafting under peel and budding and the position of collection influence of the propagules inside of the main plant on the survival of the grafts accomplished directly to field in Ilex paraguariensis. The experiment was carried out in the Áurea municipal district, State of Rio Grande do Sul, with propagules originated from a main tree with more than 80 years old. Three separate material types composed the treatments: sprouts of the base, of the medium part and of the apical part of the main tree. In a general way, the grafting technique at the field was shown viable, although the survival results of the grafts at the 300 days showed low (from 0 to 30%). Grafts that died after the 65 days already presented sprouted, indicating damages by excess of heat. The grafting method in full rift was shown as the most appropriate, given the union largest resistance of the graft with the rootstocks. The propagules position in the main plant did not influence the grafts survival.

The objective of this study was to investigate the behavior of physical attributes and soil carbon stocks in multi-stratified agro forestry system (AFS) compared to different types of land use, including cocoa plantation in agroecological management (CAC), pasture (PAS) and native forest (FLN). The treatments were installed at CEPLAC experimental station in Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondonia State. Five plots of 20 m x 30 cm were installed at random in each of the four different land use. On those plots, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples in layers of 0 - 20 cm and 20 -40 cm depth were collected for determination of physical attributes and soil carbon stock. Soil density in AFS, CAC and PAS were high and promoted negative influences on soil porosity. Soil carbon stocks were influenced by different land use modality, showing at layer 0 to 20 cm (Mg m-3): 24.79 (ASF); 42.71 (CAC); 41.30 (PAS); 36.07 (FLN), and at layer 20 to 40 cm (Mg m-3): 17.26 (ASF); 31.06 (CAC); 22.31 (PAS); 25.49 (FLN). All evaluated systems presented expected soil carbon stocks, however spatial arrangements that favor the input of organic matter may contribute to increase soil carbon stocks in agroforestry systems.

We performed an environmental diagnosis study of the watershed Saraiva Stream, located in the municipality of Betim, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, through the identification and characterization of the main springs and forest remnants. In addition to quantification of the total area of forest fragments, it was compared the area subject to environmental restoration of riparian areas when applying the Brazilian environmental legislation represented by old Forest Code - Law nº 4.771/65 and the current legislation, Federal Law nº 12.651/12. Fragments were also evaluate through the landscape metrics in Geographic Information System based on ecological indicators: circularity index; isolation index; total border area; and average size of the spots. The springs and forest remnants in the watershed of Saraiva Stream are in critical condition. Current Brazilian environmental legislation demands smaller total area restoration, compromising the ecological functions performed by riverine ecosystems.

The study was conducted at Água Limpa Farm, DF, in three vegetation types: Cerrado sensu stricto, Gallery Forest and Eucalyptus urograndis plantation. The aim was to quantify and analyze the macro and micronutrients content presented in the litter stock from these environments during the dry and rainy seasons. The litter samples were collected from September 2011 to August 2012. They were dried and the nutrients content were quantified. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three replicates for each treatment. The results were evaluated by analysis of variance, Tukey test and Pearson’s correlation. The litter macronutrient content observed at the Gallery Forest and Eucalyptus plantations during the rainy season was in the following order: N > Ca > Mg > K > S > P. During the dry season, S content was higher than Mg in Eucalyptus plantation, while no differences were observed at the Gallery Forest. Macronutrients contents observed at Cerrado sensu stricto area were N > Ca > S > Mg > K > P in the rainy season and N > Ca > K > S > Mg > P in the dry season.

The European Union (EU), through its initiative Natura 2000, established the classification and selection of protected areas at European level in order to ensure biodiversity conservation. However, there are not clear and uniform parameters to enable member countries to make the best decisions of zoning for biodiversity conservation. For this reason, a methodology based on evaluation of criteria importance for biodiversity conservation is presented in this thesis. The introduced methodology aims to establish relevant criteria that can be analyzed through statistical method of multicriteria analysis and interpolation of data with the kriginggeostatistical method. The objective is to verify the suitability of areas designated for Natura 2000 network in Castilla y León, Spain and to develop a proposal for zoning based on biodiversity importance values in consideration of land use. The proposed methodology was performed with basic criteria of biodiversity conservation that can be adapted and applied in different EU member countries contributing to an optimal selection of protected areas with clear and uniform parameters for zoning.

The evolution of the stem form of trees in stands of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze was studied by means of taper functions and form factors. The data used were obtained by complete stem analysis and by rigorous scaling of standing trees in stands established in central-southern region of Paraná, with a sample of 45 trees. Four taper functions were adjusted for the total data set and for stratified data by classes of age. Tapering curves were constructed for different age classes. Model identity tests were performed to compare complete and reduced models. To assess the evolution of natural and artificial form factors, they were calculated for different ages, starting at 5 years old. Schöpfer´s polynomial was the selected model. There were significant differences among complete and reduced models with a slight advantage in the use of equations adjusted by age classes, as well as a significant improvement in the stem taper with the increase in age, also verified by the stabilization of the values of form factor at 22 years.

This study aimed to evaluate the leaf primary metabolism in two woody species, Sterculia foetida and Bombacopsis glabra. Both species have seeds rich in oil and they are largely found in regions with irregularities in water availability. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse from seeds. At 140 days after emergence, 50% of the plants were subjected to salt stress for 23 days, daily receiving 100 mM of NaCl solution. In both species, leaf stomata conductance and water potential decreased quickly under salt stress. The two species showed different strategies in photosynthetic pigment concentration and components of nitrogen metabolism. S. foetida kept the pigment concentration unchanged after 23 days of stress, while B. glabra increased concentration of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. S. foetida showed a high leaf concentration of K+ in stressed plants and a Na+/K+ ratio without differences when compared to control. Thus, S. foetida presented a better ionic balance, while B. glabra invested in photoprotection. Therefore, both species present potential to be planted in Brazilian Northeast, where water deficit and salt stress are challenging for annual crops.

It is important to have a statistically robust forest information data base which can be updated and can provide long-term information. National Forest Inventories (NFI) provide one of the best large-scale sources of information, and therefore are a cornerstone of forest policies. The scopes of NFIs, which are the primary source of data for national and large-area assessments, has been broadened to include new variables to meet increasing information requirements. This paper describes the history, methodology and guidance of Spanish NFI and international requirements. The current objectives are determined by analysing future perspectives and possible direction of future assessments. These objectives include harmonization of NFI, open data source and to broaden the number of field variables monitored (multi-objective inventory) in order to effectively fulfil information requirements.

Ecological restoration plays a fundamental role in ecosystem integrity recovery from restoration of species richness and structure of plant communities. Thus, if the decision is for planting, the production of forest seedlings with high species richness subsidizes the success of this practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the richness of native tree species potentially produced in nurseries in Rio Grande Basin in Southern Minas Gerais State. The analysis was based on the Native Trees Catalogue of Minas Gerais, considering the species present in the phytogeographic subdomains of Upper Rio Grande, South Mantiqueira, Poços de Caldas Plateau and Northwest. For the analysis of species with potential to be grown in nurseries in the Basin, data from the national register of seed and seedlings (RENASEM) from 2013 were used. It was found 1.251 species naturally occurring, 102 species indexed and 49 registered producers, distributed in 36 municipalities. Only five species listed in the official threatened species list were indexed by registered producers. The richness of tree species indexed by registered producers in RENASEM in the studied region is very low, which may compromise the success of ecological restoration projects.

National Forest Inventories (NFI) cover whole countries and strive to put the resource forest and the ecosystem forest into a quantitative framework. While for forest management inventories it is very obvious that they shall support management decisions and contribute to making forest planning, silvicultural interventions, conservation management and timber sales more efficient, the purpose of NFIs is not immediately visible nor “measurable”: they are to support national (and sub-national) level policy processes that relate to forests. NFIs have a long history and do experience currently a boom because the availability of a science-based quantification of the forest resource and its changes is among the prerequisites for results-based payments to developing countries when they implement measures that are efficient - and evidenced by verifiable results – in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from forests. While forest monitoring science does currently focus very much on increasing precision and accuracy of forest monitoring, on integration of ever more efficient remote sensing techniques and modelling methods, surprisingly little research is being published on background, strategic justification, institutionalization and impact of NFIs.

During the 23rd session of the FAO-Committee on Forestry (COFO 23) held in July 2016, the voluntary guidelines on national forest monitoring were approved. These guidelines were generated to support FAO member countries on the starting-up and the implementation of their national forest monitoring systems (NFMS). Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the decision 1/CP.16 encouraged to developing country Parties to undertake actions for REDD+, and requested, inter alia: i) to develop a forest reference emission level and/of forest reference level (FREL/REL) as a baseline for the emission reductions report, and ii) a transparent and robust NFMS. This paper examines the technical assessments from UNFCCC of the FREL/REL submitted by six countries in relation to technical needs for the NFMS setting up. The analysis suggests the need to improve the procurement of ground-base data, to comply the quality of the estimations on forest emission changes, to complete the carbon stocks estimations, and to estimate the associated uncertainties. The strategic and technical planning of the NFMS is also needed, to be able to reach the acceptable preparation level for measuring, reporting and verification system of REDD+, and the FAO voluntary guidelines are a helpful tool for the step-wise approach development.