Effects of a Pinus taeda L. shelterwood on frost protection and growth of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden young plants

Abstract

This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of three Pinus taeda shelterwoods intensities on frost protection and growth of E. dunnii young plants. The study was developed in the district of Capão Alto, SC. Three different shelter intensities were established from a 23 years old P. taeda plantation: trees only in the perimeter of the stand (TB), 20 (T20) and 50 (T50) trees per hectare. The control, a clear-cut (TCA), was also located. Despite plants of E. dunnii were damaged by frosts with temperatures of until -5 °C, independent of the treatment to which they were exposed, the increase of the shelter intensity, until 50 trees per hectare, decreased the damages caused by frosts. It was also verified that as more intensive the shelter, lower was the growth in height and diameter of the E. dunnii, before and after the frosts. This technique is recommended for the establishment of E. dunnii in areas with severe winters.