Evaluating potential timber species at the Tapajos National Forest in Para state, Brazil, 28 years after logging

Abstract

The stock of timber species was evaluated in a 64 ha experimental area 28 years after logging. The study was carried out in the Tapajos National Forest, state of Para, Brazilian Amazon. The study area was logged in 1979 and tree species were measured from 1981 to 2007 in 36 permanent sample plots. In 2007 tree species were classified in three groups: commercial timber (MC); potentially commercial timber (MP); non-commercial timber (MS). During that period all trees with DBH>5cm were measured. In 2007, 28 years after logging 9,859 trees from 239 species were recorded. Considering the species groups 35.5% belong to MC, and from these only 53% are available for harvesting, representing a timber volume of 75.5m3 ha-1. In 2007 some species as Carapa guianensis and Virola michelii had higher timber volume than before logging but other species as Astronium lecointei and Manilkara huberi had timber volume lower in 2007. In the end of the studing period, 28 years after logging, the timber volume was recovered but the harvested species did not recuperated their original basal area. Even with the high intensity of harvest occurred in the area but considering the timber volume in 2007 of those species that were not harvested in 1979, a second cutting mainly for those species could be admissible now.

doi: 10.4336/2010.pfb.30.64.265