Structural changes of common tree species populations in a managed natural forest in Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

The knowledge of forest populations dynamics after logging and under the events of silvicultural treatments is important to establish management and conservation strategies. We aimed to show results of structural changes of tree species populations (from seedlings to adult trees), during 27 years in an area where reduced impact logging and silvicultural treatments were performed. In 1985 timber of trees with DBH ≥ 60 cm was logged from 400 ha, considering three volume reduction intensities (15, 25, 35%). In 1994, thinning was applied considering individuals with DBH ≥ 15 cm, and four intensities of basal area reduction (0, 30, 50, 70%). Twelve statistical treatments were performed considering the thinning combined with harvest intensities. Trees, saplings, sticks and seedlings were monitored and measured in 40 permanent sample plots. The plots were assessed in 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 2004 and 2011. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models. Our results show that forest structure was not altered significantly even in areas where the trees basal area reduction was higher. There was no significant influence on the establishment of the main species in the area and in dynamics of the remnant forest after logging.

Keywords

• Silvicultural treatments
• Eastern Amazon
• Forest management