ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the shades of some tree species, in order to quantify and establish a criterion to be used as an indicator for farmers and landscape designers. The shades of four species were evaluated: Melia azedarach (Santa Babara), Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena), Terminalia catappa (Chapéu de Sol) and Bambusa vulgaris (Bambu). The following data were registered at hourly interval from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, relative humidity, black globe temperature and velocity of the wind were registered with instruments located underneath the respective shades. From collected data were obtained the thermal comfort indices: radiating thermal (CTR), index of temperature of globe (WBGT) and index of temperature and relative humidity (THI). The results after analysis showed that Leucena has a quality of shade inferior as compared to others. Bambu presented better thermal characteristics. No statistical difference were observed between Santa Bárbara and Chapéu de Sol, both showing intermediate values.
Key words:
shadowing of grass; shade quality; thermal comfort index