Tree species growth in a silvipastoral system in Amazon

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the dendrometric development of four tree species (Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae); Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd (Fabaceae), Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae) and Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart ex A. DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae)) in a silvopastoral system in Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Productive activities in the forest sector create a demand for technical capacity to promote sustainable management, with the silvipastoral system presented as one of the paths to sustainability. Three permanent plots of 1 ha each were established on the 240-hectare Diamantino Farm, and stem DBH 1.30 m from the soil surface, total height and crown diameter data were obtained for all individuals. In addition to the quantitative data, crown regularity and bole tortuosity parameters were measured. S. macrophylla achieved better performance in almost all parameters. C. guianensis and D. odorata, respectively showed greater uniformity in growth. The species, H. chrysotrichus had the smallest crown diameter; however it was still able to provide enough shade for animal thermal comfort.   Key words: Dendrometry, forest management, reforestation.