The detailed knowledge of the total solar radiation that reaches a surface is fundamental for the planning of the forest activities. A few research works cited in the literature have considered the topographic effect of the region to determine the solar radiation balance (Rn), in which, depending on the predominant topographic relief of the region, significant errors can be obtained. This study was carried out to estimate the Rn considering the slope aspect of the terrain for eucalypt forest plantation, and to compare this estimates with and flat terrain areas. The simulation was carried out for the years of 2001 and 2002 in Rio Doce watershed. The hillsides with northward, northeast and the northwest orientation presented increases in Rn in relation to the estimate for flat horizontal surface, because at this time of the year, the sun, in its apparent movement, tape place north of the watershed. However, the hillsides with south, southeast and southwest orientation, presented reduction in Rn when compared with the conditions of flat topography. The hillsides inclination influenced in the magnitude of the differences between gain of energies and loss Rn. The hillsides inclinations faced northward, the northwest and northeast, had greaters variations, witch increased Rn of up to 40%, in July. It was demonstrated that exist important influence of the different slopes and aspects of the hillsides terrain over the total daily radiation balance.
Eucalypt; net radiation; GIS
