Influence of soil characteristics on black-wattle (Acacia mearnsii ) productivity, in Butiá, RS

Abstract

Black-wattle growth is different on soils with distinct characteristics. To evaluate this influence, plant growth and wood production variables were quantified on black wattle growing on five soil classes with different morphological, physical and chemical characteristics, on SETA S.A. commercial plantation at seven years of age, on Butiá County, RS. It was measured the black wattle growth on the following soil classes Argissolo Vermelho (Alfisol), Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Alfisol), Cambissolo (Inceptisol), Neossolo Litólico (Entisol) e Neossolo Regolítico (Entisol). Soil chemical and texture analyses were performed on surface and subsurface horizons, and physical analyses, just on soil surface horizon. On plants, it was measured DBH, total height, bark thickness and estimated the wood volume. On both Alfisols (Red and Red Yellow) and on Inceptisol, that presented higher nutrient content and effective soil depth, wood production was 30 % greater than on both Entisols, that were shallower and with less appropriate chemical characteristics.