Initial Growth of Eucalyptus with Different Spatial Arrangements in Agrosilvopastoral Systems

Abstract

Success of integrating livestock farming with forestry systems or SAF′s (Agroforestry Systems) highly depends on correct chose of the tree component and the best spatial arrangement of plants, for which eucalyptus has proven as an excellent option. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate eucalyptus wood yield under different spatial arrangements in agrosilvipastoral system. The arrangements were: single rows 10 × 2 m, double rows (2 × 3) + 15 m and (2 × 3) + 20 m and triple rows (3 × 2 × 3) +20 m. Silvicultural evaluations (DBH, tree height, tree volume and volume per hectare) were done eighteen months after experiment installation. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six repetitions and two trees per plot. Trees were arbitrarily identified in each spatial arrangement, numbered from 1 to 5, totaling 30 plots in each system. The DBH increased as the alleys became closer to each other, being higher in the10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems; tree height increased in denser spacing—10 × 2 m, (2 × 3) + 15 m and (3 × 2 × 3) + 20 m; the volume of wood per plant and per hectare showed higher values in the 10 × 2 m and (2 × 3) + 15 m systems. The lowest yield was found in the system with the least amount of trees, i.e. (2 × 3) + 20 m (576 trees/ha).