Unidades de manejo para o cultivo de eucalipto em quatro regiões fisiográficas do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The cellulose and paper sector plays an important role in the Brazilian forest economy, which lead to an increase in eucalyptus cultivation in different regions of Brazil. The knowledge of soil attributes and the environment which can affect the crop productivity becomes of fundamental importance to warrant the sector´s sustainability and competitiveness. This study was conducted with the aim of determining management units for eucalyptus cultivation in four physiographical regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The studied areas include parts of Arroio dos Ratos, Barra do Ribeiro, Butiá, Cachoeira do Sul, Camaquã, Eldorado do Sul, Encruzilhada do Sul, Guaíba, Mariana Pimental, Pântano Grande, Rio Pardo, São Jerônimo, Tapes, and Triunfo counties. Based upon the limiting factors to eucalyptus cultivation, field observations and measurements, productivity data and experience of technicians which work at the regions, specific criteria linked to eucalyptus management and productivity were defined. Guidelines for the establishment of management units for eucalyptus cultivation were set up. The management units were defined as: superior, inferior, marginal superior, marginal inferior and not apt for eucalyptus cultivation. The highest restrictions in the studied physiographical regions were imposed by oxygen deficiency and difficulties of management.