Crescimento e desempenho econômico de Eucalyptus dunnii em diferentes sítios no planalto sul do Brasil

Abstract

The search for greater productivities, shorter production cycles and thus higher economic performances have led companies and landowners on the Highlands of Southern Brazil to invest in Eucalyptus plantations rather than Pinus. Determining the productivity and economic performance of forest stands is a key factor for their planning and management. In this context, the present study was carried out aiming to evaluate de growth and economic performance of Eucalyptus dunnii in different sites on the Highlands of Southern Brazil. Data from continuous forest inventory were regarded with a total of128 sample plots and 10.903 dbh x hdom paired values. Three site classes were obtained with dominant heights at index age of 10 years as the following: Class I: 34 to 39 m; Class II: 29 to 33,9 m; Class III: 24 to 28,9 m. Stands of d200 of 30 cm can be obtained since the age of 9 years-old on sites of high productivity, while it takes from 3 to 5 years on sites of lower productivity. The internal rate of return (IRR) on sites of high productivity is twice as high as the ones verified on sites with lower productivity. Net present values (NPV) and land expectation values (LEV) on sites of high productivity are 14 times higher than the ones observed on the worst sites. It was concluded that it is not only more profitable to grow E. dunnii on sites of high productivity, but also that there might be no viability at all of its cultivation on low productivity sites.