Effect of spacing and genetic material on Eucalyptus growth for solid-wood and cellulose production in Uruguay

Abstract

The impact of forestry practices was evaluated on Eucalyptus’s growth variables and mortality dynamics. An experiment was conducted in Uruguay over sixteen years, sixteen spacing and thinning treatments were compared depending on the genetic material and productive objective. Tree height and diameter at breast height were assessed annually. All variables were analyzed using linear mixed models. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Log Rank test were used to compare tree survival. 460 trees ha^-1 from seed material resulted in the highest individual basal area (0.023 m²), while treatments with 2000 trees ha^-1, without thinning, generated a greater yield per hectare (1014 m³ ha^-1). Variations in mortality were detected in higher-density treatments (above 800 trees ha^-1). This study underscores the critical importance of managing spacing, genetic material, and thinning practices to optimize Eucalyptus growth.

Keywords:
Forest management; stand density; survival rate; thinning