Stand Density Management Diagram (SDMD) for Pinus taeda in the State of Parana.

Abstract

This work aimed to develop a stand density management diagram (SDMD) to define the best thinning schedule on Pinus taeda L. stands. The database used in the study came from Pinus taeda plantations established in state of Paraná, Brazil, in the Midwest, South and Campos Gerais regions, besides data collected from the National Forest of Irati and from an experiment with different spacings located on the campus of the State University of Midwest, in municipality of Irati. We used 1,023 plots without thinnings, with ages ranging from 7 to 44 years. Reineke density model (1933) was adjusted to obtain the Reineke Density Index (RDI), constructing then the DMD similarly to the methodology proposed by McCarter and Long (1986) and Dean and Baldwin (1993), which has as basic components, the IDR and a system of equations that relates the quadratic mean diameter (dg) and the stand volume (V) with the density (N), dominant height (h_dom) and the quadratic mean diameter. The system of equations fitted for the construction of the DMD presented appropriate statistical adjustment and accuracy, allowing the definition of the initial densities to achieve a given diameter of the desired size in the clearcutting, as well as knowing the ages in which interventions should be carried out and prognosis of production of each harvest.