This study was carried out on a fragment of semi-deciduous forest in Pirenópolis, Goias, Brazil and investigated the changes in the photon flux density in relation to silvicultural interventions that aimed at increasing growth of tree species but without allowing invasion by exotic species that could influence the dynamics of natural regeneration. The design was a randomized block in factorial, testing the differences between silvicultural treatments, seasons and heights in the understory (1.30 m versus at the ground level). We tested two intensities of selective cutting of individual trees and vines in the forest. The treatments were sufficient to alter the understory light, both in the dry season and rainy season, in agreement with the hypothesis tested. The shading in the control area was 97% in the rainy season and 86% in the dry season, showing significant differences with the shading associated with silvicultural treatments, which ranged from 93% to 94% in the rainy season and from 77% to 80% in the dry season. This study may assist this forest management system for semi-deciduous forests in Central Brazil, and should be linked to population studies and community, preserving the forest fragments found in the region and generating numerous environmental benefits and extra income for the rural population.
Canopy gaps; Photon flux density; Silvicultural treatments
