Abstract The aim was to determine the productive capacity of a forest site by applying different methods of fitting, combined with geostatistical techniques, to stands of Eucalyptus sp. in a tropical region of Brazil. Data were collected from 845 plots of a continuous forest inventory over four years. The classification of local production capacity was performed using growth curves obtained by the guide curve (GC) method, algebraic difference approach (ADA) and generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) methods and ordinary kriging through the spherical, exponential, and Gaussian models to determine the spatial dependence of the variables site, geographical boundaries of site index classes, and their respective areas for each hectare in an annual production unit (APU). The modified Chapman–Richards model, fitted by the generalized difference approach method (GADA), provided the best statistical results, an improvement of 12.23% and 39.80% on the ADA and GC methods, respectively. The exponential model selected to express the spatial distribution of dominant height showed a high degree of spatial dependence.

ABSTRACT The fitting of volume models by the traditional method (data obtained by means of scaling several trees), is the most used way to obtain volume equations. This method requires a lot of effort and is quite costly, therefore some alternatives have been developed to decrease the sampling of the number of trees and obtain results of estimates similar to that obtained by the traditional method, highlighting the mixed modeling applied to calibrate equations. In this work, the general objective of the research was to calibrate the Schumacher-Hall volume model by predicting random effects at the stand level and comparing it with the equations obtained using the traditional approach. The database is made up of 670 trees with ages varying from 1 to 10.75 years. The calibrations tested in the mixed model were using: (i) the largest tree of variable d for each stand; (ii) the two largest trees of variable d for each stand; (iii) the three largest trees in d for each stand; (iv) the four largest trees in d for each stand; (v) the five largest trees in d for each stand; (vi) the median tree for variable d in each stand; vii) one random tree in each stand; viii) three trees, being the smallest tree, the mean tree and the largest tree for the variable d for each stand; ix) three trees, being the mean tree, the mean tree minus two standard deviations and the mean tree plus two standard deviations for the variable d in each stand. The statistics for evaluating the equations were the coefficient of determination, the standard error of the estimate, the analysis of residuals, and the graphical analysis of the observed and estimated values. The results show that the volume equations can be calibrated at the stand level by sampling three trees: the average tree, the average tree plus two standard deviations, and the average tree minus two standard deviations. Considering that in the traditional method, 50 trees on average are measured in the forest inventory, the reduction of sampling in a new stand would be 94%.

RESUMO O ajuste dos modelos de volume pelo método tradicional (dados obtidos por meio de cubagem de várias árvores) é a maneira mais utilizada para obter equações de volume. Este método demanda muito esforço e é bastante oneroso, portanto algumas alternativas têm sido desenvolvidas para diminuir a amostragem do número de árvores e obter resultados de estimativas semelhantes ao obtido pelo método tradicional, destacando-se a modelagem mista aplicada para calibrar equações. Neste trabalho, o objetivo da pesquisa foi calibrar o modelo de volume de Schumacher-Hall por meio da predição de efeitos aleatórios em nível de povoamento e compará-lo com as equações obtidas pela abordagem tradicional. A base de dados é composta de 670 árvores com idades variando de 1 a 10,75 anos. As calibrações testadas no modelo misto foram: i) a maior árvore da variável d para cada povoamento; ii) as duas maiores árvores da variável d para cada povoamento; iii) as três maiores árvores em d para cada povoamento; iv) as quatro maiores árvores em d para cada povoamento; v) as cinco maiores árvores em d para cada povoamento; vi) a árvore mediana para a variável d em cada povoamento; vii) uma árvore aleatória em cada povoamento; viii) três árvores, sendo a menor árvore, a árvore média e a maior da variável d para cada povoamento; ix) três árvores, sendo a árvore média, a árvore média menos dois desvios padrões e a árvore média mais dois desvios padrões para a variável d em cada povoamento. As estatísticas para avaliação das equações foram o coeficiente de determinação, o erro padrão da estimativa, a análise de resíduos e a análise gráfica dos valores observados e estimados. Os resultados evidenciam que as equações de volume podem ser calibradas em nível de povoamento por meio da amostragem de três árvores sendo elas, a árvore média, a árvore média mais dois desvios padrões e a árvore média menos dois desvios padrões, considerando que no método tradicional são cubadas 50 árvores em média no inventário florestal, a redução da amostragem em um novo povoamento seria de 94%.

ABSTRACT One of the main difficulties in choosing forest biomass for energetic purposes is the evaluation of its quality. Thus, the objective of this research was to propose a classification of the biomass of black wattle stands based on the variables gross calorific value, energy density, ash content and biomass stock. For this purpose, commercial stands of the species were sampled in three growing regions (Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul and Piratini) in Rio Grande do Sul, with 1 to 10 years old classified into age groups I, II, III and IV. In these stands, 670 trees were felled, their biometric and energetic variables were measured. From these locations, meteorological and edaphic variables were also collected. Cluster analysis was used to separate the predictor variables into three quality classes called low, medium and high. Discriminant analysis revealed two functions capable of classifying new observations into quality classes. The discriminant functions were able to correctly classify more than 51% of the trees based on gross calorific value, 65% based on energy density, 89% on ash content and 85% on energy stock. The biometric, energetic and meteorological variables contributed to the discrimination of the quality classes.

RESUMO Uma das principais dificuldades na escolha de uma biomassa florestal para fins energéticos está na avaliação de sua qualidade. Desse modo, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi propor uma classificação da biomassa de povoamentos de acácia negra com base nas variáveis poder calorífico superior, densidade energética, teor de cinzas e estoque de biomassa. Para esse fim, povoamentos comerciais da espécie foram amostrados em três regiões de cultivo (Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul e Piratini) no Rio Grande do Sul, com 1 a 10 anos classificados em grupos de idade I, II, III e IV. Nesses povoamentos, foram abatidas 670 árvores, as quais tiveram suas variáveis biométricas e energéticas mensuradas. Desses locais, também foram coletadas variáveis meteorológicas e edáficas. A análise de agrupamento (cluster) foi utilizada para separar as variáveis preditoras em três classes de qualidade denominadas baixa, média e alta. A análise discriminante revelou duas funções capazes de classificar novas observações nas classes de qualidade. As funções discriminantes conseguiram classificar corretamente mais de 51% das árvores com base no poder calorífico superior, 65% com base na densidade energética, 89% no teor de cinzas e 85% no estoque energético. As variáveis biométricas, energéticas e meteorológicas contribuíram para a discriminação das classes de qualidade.

ABSTRACT The morphometric study of forest species contributes to the understanding of an individual's development based on variables such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height and information on the crown of the tree. The main morphometric characteristics of the trees are the Crown Ratio (CR), Degree of Slenderness (DS), Salience Index (SI), Coverage Index (CI) and Crown Formal (CF). The traditional modeling to obtain these indexes results in a one-off estimate. The objective of this study was to obtain the morphometric indices for black wattle species (Acacia mearnsii de Wild.) throughout its cultivation cycle, using ratio estimates. The data used to carry out this work were obtained in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in three regions, which have a concentration of commercial plantations of the species: Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul and Piratini. Forty-eight (48) temporary plots were installed in stands between one year and 10.75 years old and 672 trees were sampled to measure the DBH, total height (h), crown length (l) and crown diameter (dc) variables. The modeling of the indexes was performed using ratio estimates. The crowns, on average, occupy 52,10% of the height, this being more prominent in young forests, decreasing throughout the cultivation cycle of the stands. The DS resulting in a value greater than 1, indicating that growth in height exceeds growth in DBH. On average, they have crowns 22 times larger than DBH, with a decreasing trend due to age, growth in height greater than the growth in diameter of the crown, and, in most cases, black watle trees have slender crowns. Precisions are not constant over the ages, and, for the most part, the indices are of medium accuracy. The results presented in this work are useful to understand the dynamic processes occurring in black wattle forests.

RESUMO O estudo morfométrico de espécies florestais contribui para a compreensão do desenvolvimento de um indivíduo a partir de variáveis, como diâmetro à altura do peito (dap), altura (h) e informações sobre a copa da árvore. As principais características morfométricas das árvores são a Proporção de Copa (PC), Grau de Esbeltez (GE), Índice de Saliência (IS), Índice de Abrangência (IA) e Formal de Copa (FC). A modelagem tradicional para obtenção destes índices resulta em uma estimativa pontual. O objetivo deste estudo foi obter os índices morfométricos para a espécie acácia negra (Acacia mearnsii de Wild.), ao longo de seu ciclo de cultivo, por meio de estimadores por razão. Os dados utilizados para a realização deste trabalho foram obtidos na região sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, em três regiões, que apresentam concentração de plantios comerciais da espécie: Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul e Piratini. Quarenta e oito parcelas temporárias foram instaladas em povoamentos com idade entre um e 10,75 anos e amostradas 672 árvores para mensuração das variáveis dap, altura total (h), comprimento de copa (cc) e diâmetro de copa (dc). A modelagem dos índices foi realizada aplicando-se os estimadores por razão. As copas, em média, ocupam 52,10% da altura, sendo este mais proeminente nas florestas jovens, decaindo ao longo do ciclo de cultivo dos povoamentos. O GE resultou em valor superior a 1, indicando que o crescimento em altura supera o crescimento em dap. Em média, apresentam copas 22 vezes maior que o dap, com tendência decrescente em função da idade, crescimento em altura maior que o crescimento em dap e copas esbeltas. As precisões não são constantes ao longo das idades, e, em sua maioria, os índices apresentam precisão média. Os resultados apresentados são úteis para entender os processos dinâmicos ocorrentes nas florestas de acácia-negra.

ABSTRACT In order to understand the conduct of new paradigms aimed at ecological restoration, the objective of this work was to review the literature on the application of ecological restoration in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest biome, in order to contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the use of indexers, focused keywords, and criteria focused on the theme, 58 scientific articles were selected, analyzed through a systematic review and compared with each other in the use of their strategies. The results showed a preference for active restoration with variations in species diversity, and passive restoration. Fertilization, control of competing plants, fighting ants and soil preparation are the most mentioned silvicultural practices. In the analysis of the proposed monitoring, diversity, information intrinsic to the species and the landscape, phytosociology and crown metrics, expressed the most recommended indicators for evaluating the restorative process, and suggest 74 species for use in the projects. In addition, it is necessary to encourage scientific productions on the subject to also include the Midwest and Northeast regions, fauna surveys, as well as a detailed description of the implementation of the ecological restoration project.

RESUMO Para entender a condução de novos paradigmas voltados à restauração ecológica, o objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a literatura sobre a aplicação da restauração ecológica em áreas protegidas do bioma Mata Atlântica, a fim de contribuir ao cumprimento dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). Com uso de indexadores, palavras-chave voltadas, e a critérios voltados ao tema, foram selecionados 58 artigos científicos analisados por meio de uma revisão sistemática e comparados entre si no uso de suas estratégias. Os resultados mostraram preferência pela restauração ativa com variações na diversidade de espécies, e a restauração passiva. Adubação, controle de plantas competidoras, combate a formigas e o preparo do solo são as práticas silviculturais mais mencionadas. Na análise dos monitoramentos propostos, a diversidade, as informações intrínsecas às espécies e a paisagem, a fitossociologia e as métricas da copa, se expressaram os indicadores mais recomendados para avaliação do processo restaurativo, e sugerem 74 espécies para uso nos projetos. Ademais, é necessário incentivar que as produções científicas sobre a temática contemplem também as regiões centro-oeste e nordeste, os levantamentos da fauna, bem como a descrição detalhada sobre a implantação do projeto de restauração ecológica.

Resumo Comparou-se por meio do teste de identidade de modelos estratégias de agrupamento de dados para o ajuste de modelos hipsométricos e volumétricos com o intuito de otimizá-los. A área de estudo tem 248,22 ha com plantio de Pinus oocarpa e Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis, divididos em talhões com idades entre 10 e 16 anos. A área foi inventariada por amostragem utilizando o método de área fixa com 7 parcelas retangulares de 600 m2 distribuídas de forma sistemática em cada povoamento. Diferentes estratégias de agrupamento de dados foram comparadas, a fim de verificar se uma única equação (modelo reduzido) poderia representar diferentes fontes de variação, como parcelas, espécies e idades, em vez de uma equação para cada fonte de variação (modelo completo). Os modelos selecionados para aplicação nas diferentes estratégias de agrupamentos foram avaliados com base no erro padrão da estimativa (Syx%), coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R2 aj.) e análise gráfica dos resíduos. As equações ajustadas para cada estratégia foram submetidas ao teste de identidade de modelos. Constatou-se que em nível de parcela não deve ser utilizada uma equação hipsométrica única (modelo reduzido) para representar todas as parcelas de um inventário, mesmo considerando a espécie e/ou idade. Em relação à variável volume, foi observado, para as espécies Pinus oocarpa e Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis, que uma única equação pode ser utilizada para estimar o volume total das duas espécies desde que estejam com a mesma idade, enquanto para idades diferentes recomenda-se o ajuste em nível de povoamento.

Abstract It was compared data grouping strategies by different models of identity test to fit height-diameter and volume models in order optimize them. The area under study has 248,22 ha with Pinus oocarpa and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis stands, divided in plots among 10 and 16 years-old. This area was inventoried by fixed area sampling with 7 rectangular plots of 600 m2 distributed in a systematic in each stand. Different strategies for data grouping were compared, checking if only one equation (general model) could represent different sources of variation such as plots, species, and ages, instead of one equation to each source of variation (complete model). The selected models used in different grouping strategies were evaluated based on standard error of estimate (Syx%), adjusted coefficients of determination (R2 aj.) and graphical residues analysis. The fittied equations to each strategy were submitted to model identity test. It was found that related to plots should not be used a single height-diameter equation (general model) to represent all the plots in an inventory even if it is of the same species and/or age. In relation to volume it was observed for the species Pinus oocarpa and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis that a single equation can be used to estimate the total volume of two species since at the same age, while for different ages it is recommended the fitting for stand level.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a relação altura-diâmetro, descrita por modelos biológicos não lineares, de Eucalyptus benthamii em monocultura florestal e em três diferentes sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP): lavoura-floresta, pecuária-floresta e lavoura-pecuária-floresta. As árvores foram avaliadas durante sete anos após o plantio. Cinco modelos biológicos não lineares foram ajustados para avaliar a relação altura-diâmetro, e o modelo de Gompertz foi selecionado para descrever os dados, embora todos os modelos tenham descrito satisfatoriamente a relação altura-diâmetro das árvores nos ILP. A análise dos dados mostrou que não há nenhuma semelhança entre a monocultura florestal e os ILP quanto à relação altura-diâmetro. Além disso, a relação altura-diâmetro de E. benthamii muda entre os diferentes ILP. Particularmente, dois sistemas com bovinos fornecem os mesmos valores de taxa máxima de crescimento, assíntota e ponto de inflexão do diâmetro à altura do peito. Além disso, com a integração do gado no componente arbóreo, as árvores produzidas apresentam menores alturas assintóticas, com maiores diâmetros quando as alturas médias das árvores dos ILP são iguais.

Abstract The objective of this work was to compare the height-diameter relationship, described by nonlinear biological models, in Eucalyptus benthamii in monoculture forestry and in three different integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS): crop-forestry, livestock-forestry, and crop-livestock-forestry. The trees were evaluated during seven years after planting. Five nonlinear biological models were fitted to evaluate the height-diameter relationship, and Gompertz’s model was selected to describe the data, although all models described satisfactorily the height-diameter relationship of the trees in the ICLS. The analysis of the data showed that there is no similarity between monoculture forestry and the ICLS as to the height-diameter relationship. In addition, the height-diameter relationship in E. benthamii changes between the different ICLS. Particularly, two systems with cattle provide the same values of maximum growth rate, asymptote, and inflection point of diameter at breast height. Furthermore, with the integration of cattle into the tree component, the produced trees show lower asymptotic heights, with larger diameters when the average tree heights of the ICLS are equal.

ABSTRACT Accurate forest biomass estimates require the selection of appropriate models of individual trees. Thus, two properties are required in tree biomass modeling: (1) additivity of biomass components and (2) estimator efficiency. This study aimed to develop a system of equations to estimate young eucalyptus aboveground biomass and guarantee additivity and estimator efficiency. Aboveground eucalyptus biomass models were calibrated using four methods: generalized least squares (GLS), weighted least squares (WLS), seemingly unrelated regression (SUR), and weighted seemingly unrelated regression (WSUR). The approaches were compared with regard to performance, additivity, and estimator efficiency. The methods did not differ with regard to the mean biomass estimation; therefore, their performance was similar. The GLS and WLS approaches did not satisfy the additivity principle, as the sum of the biomass components was not equal to total biomass. However, this was not observed with the SUR and WSUR approaches. With regard to estimator efficiency, the WSUR approach resulted in narrow confidence intervals and an efficiency gain of over 20%. The WSUR approach should be used in forest biomass modeling as it resulted in effective estimators while ensuring equation additivity, thus providing an easy and accurate alternative to estimate the initial biomass of eucalyptus stands in ecophysiological models.

ABSTRACT Tree-level growth models are being more used in heterogeneous forests, for they can take underlying processes, such as competition, into account. Although it is common in the forest literature to test several indices in order to define the most suitable for each study, the evaluation of plot sizes or competition radii is poorly addressed in competition studies. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of different plot sizes and competitor selection radii on distance-independent and distance-dependent competition indices, as well as test several modifications in previously created indices. We used data of diameter, canopy stratum and crown quality from two stem mapped measurements carried out in a six-year period. Both distance-dependent and independent indices were calculated for different plot sizes and competitor selection radii. The performance of plot sizes and neighborhood radii was evaluated via Spearman’s rank correlation with the annual growth in diameter, and those with the largest correlation coefficient were included in a stepwise regression to estimate diameter growth. For almost all the indices the correlation increased as the plot size or radius increased. A 50 m x 50 m square plot generated the strongest correlation for distance-independent indices. A 20 m radius resulted the largest correlation for the distancedependent indices. Modifications in some of the indices also improved their performance. The stepwise regression selected BAL and Hegyi indices to describe the diameter growth, which means that using only one competition index might not be enough to fully explain the overall competition.

ABSTRACT Tree volumes can alternatively be obtained by ratio estimates, instead of applying linear regression modeling. An interesting question was considered by the authors when comparing the precision of tree volumes obtained by these two statistical approaches, that allowed us to formulate a new hypothesis to conduct this study: “Is it possible to obtain better volume estimates if the form factor is associated only to the exponent of the independent variable that presents higher correlation with the stem volume?”. The research was conducted in commercial stands of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild) in the municipalities of Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul and Piratini to answer this question. Forest stands were sampled in a sequence of ages after planting, varying from 1 to 14 years. In each forest stand, trees were felled, and the following characteristics were evaluated: diameter at breast height, total height, and stem scaling. The three age groups were specified according to the behavior of the form factor values. It was proposed three models to be solved by ratio estimates. A comparison of the proposed models with the Schumacher-Hall model, fitted by regression analysis, was done. The model in which the form factor was associated to the exponent of the diameter variable produced the best results, owing to a powerful correlation resulted of this confounding with volume as a dependent variable. Ratio estimates resulted in more accurate tree volumes predominantly, when compared with those obtained by the traditional Schumacher-Hall model fitted through regression analysis. Therefore, we recommend the application of model 2 fitted by ratio estimate.

RESUMO Os objetivos desse trabalho foram propor equações aditivas de biomassa dos componentes (fuste e copa) com a biomassa total para a espécie acácia negra (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) e demonstrar a inconsistência de equações de biomassa ajustadas independentemente. Dois procedimentos foram utilizados para ajustar equações não lineares de biomassa: i) independente e ii) sistemas de equações. O segundo procedimento, definido pela aplicação do modelo de regressão aparentemente não relacionada, apresenta melhores propriedades biológicas e estatísticas para estimar equações alométricas de biomassa dos componentes e biomassa total, quando comparado com a estimação independente. Uma propriedade efetiva desse procedimento é a aditividade, isto é, as estimativas de biomassa dos componentes são compatíveis com as de biomassa total. As equações ajustadas independentes não consideram a dependência entre os componentes de biomassa, assim, além das estimativas não serem aditivas, propriedade indesejável, resultarão em estimativas com maior variância.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this work were to propose additive equations for biomass components (stem and crown) and total biomass for black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) and show the inconsistency of independently adjusted biomass equations. Two procedures were used to fit nonlinear equations of biomass: i) independent and ii) systems of equations. The second procedure, defined by the application of the seemingly unrelated regression model, has better biological and statistical properties to estimate allometric equations of biomass components and total biomass when compared with the independent estimation. An effective property of this procedure is the additivity, i.e., the estimates of component biomass are compatible with those of total biomass. Independent fitted adjusted equations do not consider the dependence between the biomass components, thus, besides the estimates being non-additive, which is an undesirable property, they will result in estimates with larger variance.

Abstract: This study deals with the subject biomass estimation. The objective was to achieve the additivity of tree biomass components, which is defined as the compatibility among the component predictions and total tree biomass, using ratio estimates. The biomass estimation model was applied to black wattle trees in forest stands, which include a sample of 670 trees in an age range of 1 to 10.75 years. The adjusted model, in which the total biomass, or sum of predicted components, is a function of the stem volume multiplied by the Scalar Coefficients Proxy of Density, proved to be of great interest for biomass estimation and consistent when compared to the results obtained by WNSUR estimates (traditional method). The natural additivity of the tree biomass components was fully achieved, when modeling them by means of ratio estimation. Equations developed from the proportional behavior of the biomass components at different ages did not require the use of linear regression models and were obtained from calibration with the experimental data. The estimators resulting from these equations proved to be appropriate to make a generic model for correction of ratios coefficients at different ages.

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max L.) monocropping have had a great socio-economic and environmental impact on the world and agroforestry systems has been considered an alternative for more sustainable production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different arrangements of agroforestry systems of the species E. urophylla x E. grandis and P. dubium and the pruning of the trees on the dynamics of solar radiation and soybean yield. A field experiment was conducted in Southern Brazil. In order to achieve the objective of the study, the solar radiation transmissivity and the productive performance of the soybean were evaluated. In this study, the soybean yield was determined by the arrangement of the agroforestry system and forest species utilized. The soybean crop cultivated in the understory of the P. dubium trees showed the highest yield response. The use of silvicultural practices for the management of forest species should be considered to generate the balance of the productive system. In this context, tree pruning is a viable side for agroforestry systems, as it promotes an increase in the incidence of solar radiation in the understory, resulting in an increase in soybean yield, especially when integrated with P. dubium.

Abstract The appropriate choice of tree species and planting arrangement for use in agroforestry systems is very important in order to maximize productivity and sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of five tree species and its effect on sugarcane yields in different planting arrays in agroforestry systems. The study was conducted from 2007 to 2011 in the city of Frederico Westphalen, RS, Brazil. The five studied tree species were: guapuruvu (Schizolobium parahybae), bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella), canafístula (Peltophorum dubium), angico-vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida) and eucalypt (Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake x Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden). Root collar diameter, diameter at breast height, plant height and mean diameter of crown were evaluated for four years with an interval of 90 days between assessments. Yield data for sugarcane were collected in June 2009, 2010, and 2011. Eucalypt presented the greatest root collar diameter values, diameter at breast height, crown development, and plant height. Angico-vermelho, canafístula and eucalypt presented a higher growth in the strip system, while guapuruvu presented the greater growth in the line system. Bracatinga was not influenced by an arrangement in the agroforestry systems. Sugarcane presented greater production in the understory of angico and bracatinga.