Growth dynamics of tree species in a remnant of Araucaria Forest

Abstract

Studies that address the appropriate use of forest resources are essential for the management and conservation of forest remnants, such as the Araucaria Forest. Considering the importance to improve the knowledge of the tree species growth in subtropical regions, the present study aimed to assess the intra-annual diameter growth of tree species in Colombo County, Paraná State, Brazil. In November 2009 dendrometer bands were installed in adult trees (15 to 25 trees) of 9 species among the most frequent in the studied Araucaria Forest remnant. The increment in diameter were measured monthly until June 2011. Ocotea bicolor grew faster and more constant than the other species. This may be due to lower coverage of the trees canopies, making easier to O. bicolor trees to access light and consequently resulting in improvement in growth. The highest growth of all species occurred in Fall of 2011, season preceded by a Winter of low rainfall (2010`s Winter), in which the sun light was more available for the photosynthetic production.