Silvicultural performance of forest species introduced in integrated livestock forest system in Lavras, MG, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the silvicultural performance of four forest species introduced in a setting for integrated livestock forest (ILF) in a pasture in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species included were the Australian red cedar (seminal and clonal), African mahogany, teak, and guanandi. A split plot scheme with a randomized complete block design comprising four replicates and 48 plants per plot, was used in the following arrangement: (3(3x2) +7x2) m. The evaluation times (12, 18, 31, 36, and 43 months after planting) corresponded to the subplots. Performances of all four species were evaluated on the basis of their survival rate, height (H) and diameter at breast height (DBH). Based on the performance of the species with regard to these parameters, the clonal Australian red cedar showed a greater growth in DBH and height in the ILF setting as compared to the other species, which indicates it to be a suitable species for the region of Lavras, MG as long as its survival control occurs in the implantation phase.