ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil properties in the development of eucalyptus plantation. Four-year old stands of Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. BLAKE were evaluated in ‘Mario Xavier’ National Forest (FLONA) in topographic sequence: two Ultisol areas located in the shoulder (Upper Third) and back slope (Medium Third), and a Planossol area located in the foot slope (Lower Third). For each soil area, a study portion was established and the silvicultural aspects of the stands were evaluated; soil samples were also collected for fertility and bulk density assessment. No significant differences were observed in the chemical properties of the soil, but there were significant differences in bulk density, though, especially in the back slope (MT). Although trees presented longer survival in the foot slope (LT), it was observed that the diameter distribution was more symmetric, with trees of larger diameter and greater basal area per hectare in the shoulder (UT) and back slope (MT). Results obtained suggest the need for differential management of eucalyptus stands due to marked relief differences, once they can influence the age of harvest and final use of wood.
Keywords:
landscape; edaphic attributes; forest management.