Enrichment planting as a silvicultural option in the eastern Amazon: Case study of Fazenda Cauaxi |
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| Authors: | K Keefe MD Schulze C Pinheiro JC Zweede D Zarin |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110760, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;2. Instituto Floresta Tropical (capoeira), Caixa Postal 13077, Belém, Pará 66.040-970, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | Liana-dominated forest patches constitute 15–20% of old-growth forests in the Eastern Amazon but are generally excluded from management for timber production. Here we ask if liana-dominated patches may be brought into production by clearing lianas and conducting enrichment planting (EP) of native timber species. We present growth results from 8 years of such EP trials. Rapid growth and low mortality of all species in this study suggest that EP in cleared liana patches can contribute to timber stocks in second and third harvests of managed forests. The most vigorous individuals of Parkiagigantocarpa and Schizolobium amazonicum in each enrichment site grew more than 1 cm diameter per year (rates were initially >2 cm yr−1), and attained dominant canopy positions and diameters equal to those of small canopy trees in the surrounding forest within 8 years of planting (mean dbh ∼18 cm and ∼20 cm, respectively, at year 8). Limited data on Ceiba pentandra plantings indicate a similar trajectory for this species (dbh ∼40 cm in 8 years). The most vigorous Swietenia macrophylla grew at least 1 cm per year in enrichment plots (mean dbh ∼10 cm in 8 years), but take longer to attain dominant positions. Tabebuia serratifolia may take much longer to reach the canopy than other species tested (rates <1 m yr−1). We attribute the excellent performance to light availability; planting in intact soil with minimal compaction and abundant organic material; and low competition rates maintained by periodic thinning of competing vegetation. |
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| Keywords: | Enrichment planting Forest management Tropical Timber Lianas Ceiba pentandra Parkia gigantocarpa Schizolobium amazonicum Swietenia macrophylla Tabebuia serratifolia |
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