Natural regeneration dynamics of Vouacapoua americana with diameter < 5 cm, influenced by gaps in Moju, Pará

Abstract

The dynamic of Vouacapoua Americana Aubl. regeneration under gaps influence was evaluated using ingrowth and mortality rates, in a selectively logged forest in the Experimental Station of Embrapa – Amazonia Oriental, Moju - Pará. Nine gaps proceeding from logging, varying between 231 m2 and 748 m² were studied. From the edge of each one four transects of 10 m x 50 m were placed in North, South, East and West directions. To evaluate the natural regeneration of the three species 2m X 2m subplots were established in each transect, in the gap border and in distances of 20 m and 40 m from the gap border. The Natural Regeneration rate (TR%), ingrowth (I%) and mortality (M%) were used to evaluate the dynamic of V. americana and these values did not differ statistically in relation to distances from the gap, in relation to the directions and in relation to time of monitoring. The results revealed high mortality, low recruitment rate and in ten years of monitoring, the natural regeneration rate revealed negative. Vouacapoua Americana Aubl., in general, it presented ecological behavior similar to intermediary species group.