Stem profile modeling is crucial in the forestry sector, particularly for commercially valuable species like teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.), whose value depends on its stem dimensions, heartwood proportion, and age. We proposed a nonlinear mixed-effect model to describe the evolution of the stem and heartwood profiles of clonal teak trees with ages between 4 and 12 years in the Brazilian Amazon. Tapering models were used to estimate the bark, bark-free, and heartwood diameters. Dummy variables were included in each tapering model to estimate each type of diameter and enable compatibility. We used mixed models with age as a random effect in order to improve the accuracy. The Demaerschalk model provided the most accurate and compatible estimates for all three types of stem diameter. Also, age as a random effect significantly improved the model’s accuracy by 7.2%. We observed a progressive increase in the heartwood proportion (14% to 34%) with advancing age, while the proportions of bark (23% to 20%) and sapwood (63% to 45%) showed inverse behavior. The growth rate of the heartwood differed from that of the bark volume, emphasizing the importance of considering the age of heartwood maximization when determining the cutting cycle of the species.
The usage of spatial tools might be helpful in the optimization of decision-making regarding soil management, with technologies that assist in the interpretation of information related to soil fertility. Therefore, the present study evaluated the spatial variability of chemical attributes of the soil under an agroforestry system compared to a native forest in the municipality of Tomé-açu, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. Soil samples were performed at 36 points arranged in a 55 x 55 m grid. The soils were prepared and submitted to analysis in order to determine pH in H2O, exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and aluminium, available phosphorus, potential acidity, organic matter, bases saturation and aluminium saturation. For each soil attribute, the spherical, gaussian and exponential models were adjusted. After the semivariograms fitting, data interpolation for assessment of spatial variability of the variables was performed through ordinary kriging. The spherical and gaussian models were the most efficient models in estimation of soil attributes spatial variability, in most cases. Most of variables presented a regular spatial variability in their respective kriging maps, with some exceptions. In general, the kriging maps can be used, and we can take them as logistical maps for management and intervention practices in order to improve the soil fertility in the study areas. The results principal components indicate the need for integrated management of soil chemical attributes, with localized application of acidity correctors, fertilizers and other types of incomes, using the spatial variability of these fertility variables.
The scarcity of hardwoods from tropical forests makes the search for alternative species necessary for commercialization. This study aimed to establish groups of timber species from the Amazon Forest with potential for logging purposes through the assessment of their physical-mechanical properties, aiming to identify alternative species that can meet the market demands. We utilized data from the Forest Products Laboratory (LPF) (containing information on basic density and other wood mechanical properties) and the Timberflow platform, as well. We applied a multivariate cluster analysis technique with the aim of grouping species based on the technological characteristics of their wood and evaluating similarity among them to obtain homogeneous groups in terms of economic potential and utilization. The results indicated four homogeneous groups: Cluster 1 (40.72% of species, basic density-db: 690 kg m−3), Cluster 2 (13.92%, db: 260 and 520 kg m−3), Cluster 3 (27.32%, db: 550 and 830 kg m−3), and Cluster 4 (18.04%, db: 830 kg m−3). Most of the 20 listed species are classified as more commercially viable (70%), with high wood density. Species identified as alternatives include Dialium guianense and Zollernia paraensis for Dipteryx odorata, Terminalia argentea for Dinizia excelsa, Terminalia amazonia and Buchenavia grandis for Goupia glabra, and Protium altissimum and Maclura tinctoria for Hymenaea courbaril. The analysis highlighted the overexploitation of a restricted group of species and the need to find alternatives to ensure the sustainability of forest management. This study contributed to identifying species that can serve as alternatives to commercial ones, promoting a more balanced and sustainable forest management.