LITTER DEVOLUTION AND DECOMPOSITION IN A PERIODICALLY FLOODED FOREST IN RESTINGA DA MARAMBAIA, RIO DE JANEIRO

Restinga (sandbank) areas are fragile environments, which have been subjected to anthropogenic pressures since the country colonization. So that mitigate actions can be taken, it must be developed studies to better understand the ecological processes in these environments. Thus, this study aims to quantify litter and nutrients devolution and litter decomposition in a periodically flooded forest in 'Restinga da Marambaia', Rio de Janeiro. In the study area 10 conic collectors and 30 litter bags were installed. The annual litter devolution was 7.64 Mg.ha(-1), and September was the highest contribution month. Nitrogen was the element returned to the soil to a higher amount (71.9 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)), followed by potassium (41.1 kg ha(-1) yr(-1)). Litter decomposition rate 0.0015 g g(-1) day(-1) and the half-life were 462 days. Potassium was the element that showed the highest losses in comparison to the others. Cellulose appeared as a major participant in the structure of leaf litter, followed by lignin, the latter being associated with the leathery texture of the leaves in this formation.

SPATIAL PATTERN OF FOUR FOREST COMMUNITIES BY RIPLEY'S K FUNCTION IN SAO PAULO STATE

Investigating tree's spatial patterns according to their size classes and according to their more abundant species can provide evidences about the structure of the vegetal community, since the spatial pattern is a key question for forestry ecology studies. The tree spatial organization patterns on the environment depend on several ecological processes and on the specific characteristics of each environment, so that the best understanding of this frame provides important elements for the knowledge on forestry formation. This paper aimed to study tree spatial patterns, according to the diameter classes and from four most abundant species in different forests, in order to provide evidences regarding to the ecology of each vegetal community. The spatial pattern description in each forestry formation was developed using Ripley's K function. The studied forestry formations were: Ombrophilous Forest, Cerradao, Seasonal Forest and Restinga Forest. In this work, a 10.24 ha plot was installed in each forestry formation, and every tree, with a circumference at breast height (CBH) larger than 15 cm were measured, georeferenced and identified. The obtained data highlights the aggregated character in tropical forests, as observed in every studied forest. The 'Cerraddo' and 'Restinga' forest trees showed close aggregate patterns. In the Ombrophilous forest, for all distance scales, the aggregate pattern was meaningful. In the seasonal forest, a random tendency was observed, although a meaningful aggregation was observed in all short distances. The spatial pattern by diameter classes was generally aggregated for trees smaller than 10 cm of diameter and between 10 and 20 cm and random for the others, proving the existence of a tendency which in young trees is more aggregated than in old ones. The spatial pattern of the dominant species is always strongly similar to the general pattern of each forestry formation. The differences between the spatial patterns of two or three coincident species, among the forestry formations, indicate that its pattern is influenced by each different environment. This stands out the importance of its self-ecology and of its ecological processes, intrinsic of each community that can explain the observed patterns.

SEASONAL INCREMENT IN TRUNK DIAMETER OF Eucalyptus grandis TREES APPLYING DENDROMETER BANDS

The present work aimed to evaluate the seasonal increment in diameter of Eucalyptus grandis trees for 24 months and its relationship with the climatic variables and fertilization with nitrogen and with sewer mud. The trees were planted in the spacing of 3 x 2 m and fertilized with nitrogen (planting, 6, 12, 18 months) and sewer mud (planting and 8 months). 20 trees were selected by treatment according witch the distribution of basal area and installed dendrometer bands at a 1.3 meter. The results showed a clear effect of the climatic variables on the seasonal increment in diameter of trees, being observed a delay period (lag) of 28 days for the answer of the trees in relation to the climatic variables. Regading to the fertilization effect, it was observed that the increment of trunk diameter was higher in the eucalypt trees with organic in relation to mineral fertilization with nitrogen.

ABSENCE OF STABILIZATION POINT OF THE SPECIES ACCUMULATION CURVE IN TROPICAL FORESTS

The definition of the sample size is a major problem in studies of phytosociology. The species accumulation curve is used to define the sampling sufficiency, but this method presents some limitations such as the absence of a stabilization point that can be objectively determined and the arbitrariness of the order of sampling units in the curve. A solution to this problem is the use of randomization procedures, e. g. permutation, for obtaining a mean species accumulation curve and empiric confidence intervals. However, the randomization process emphasizes the asymptotical character of the curve. Moreover, the inexistence of an inflection point in the curve makes it impossible to define objectively the point of optimum sample size.

X-ray Microdensitometry Applied to Determination of Wood Density Variation of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill trees

This study aimed to analyze the variation of wood density in the radial and longitudinal trunk of Eucalyptus grandis trees. Six 23 years old trees were selected and cross sections were cut in three longitudinal positions (DBH, 3.70, 6.10 m) of the log. The results showed that the apparent density of wood (i) increases in the radial direction, characterizing the juvenile wood and mature wood, (ii) no significant variation in base-top log direction was observed. Based on the radial profiles of density, the mature wood of Eucalyptus grandis can be applied in the manufacture of products with higher aggregated value (PMVAs).

NUTRITIONAL BALANCE, ESSENTIAL OIL AND WOOD PRODUCTION FROM Corymbia citriodora Hill & Johnson WITH SEWAGE SLUDGE AND MINERAL FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS

The Corymbia citriodora is one of the most important forest species in Brazil and the reason is the diversity of its use, because it produces good quality wood and the leaves may be used for essential oil production. Although, there are not many studies about species and the handling effect in the nutritional balance. This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient balance in the conventional production of essential oil and wood of Corymbia citriodora with sewage sludge application. The experiment design established was the randomized blocks, with four replicates and two treatments: 1 - fertilization with 10 tons ha(-1) (dry mass) of sewage sludge, supplemented with K and B, and 2 - mineral fertilization. It was evaluated the aerial biomass production, the nutrient export of the leaves, the essential oil and wood production at four years old. The trees that received application of sewage sludge produced 20 % more leaves biomass than the trees with mineral fertilization, resulting in larger oil production. Besides, the trees with sewage sludge application produced 14.2 tons ha(-1) yr(-1) of woody biomass that was 27 % higher than the treatment with mineral fertilization. For both treatments the N balance was negative, but treatment with sewage sludge application (-45 kg ha(-1)) was four times lower than the observed on mineral fertilization treatment (-185 kg ha(-1)). It may be concluded in this paper that the application of sewage sludge benefits the production of leaves biomass, essential oil and wood, besides result better nutritional balance of the Corymbia citriodora production system.

Deficiência nutricional em plantas jovens de aroeira-pimenteira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi)

A recuperação e a restauração florestal de ecossistemas degradados podem não acontecer das maneiras desejadas se houver carência nutricional ou suprimento inadequado de nutrientes às plantas no estádio inicial de desenvolvimento de espécies florestais nativas. Objetivou-se nesta investigação avaliar os efeitos da deficiência de nutrientes em plantas jovens de aroeira-pimenteira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi). Para isso, induziu-se a sintomatologia de deficiência nutricional, determinaram-se os teores de nutrientes nas folhas e caules, e foi feita a avaliação do efeito da deficiência nutricional na altura, na produção de massa seca e no estoque de carbono do caule em plantas jovens de aroeira-pimenteira. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, totalizando treze tratamentos, empregando a técnica de diagnose por subtração (-N, -P, -K, -Ca, -Mg, -S, -B, -Cu, -Fe, -Mn, -Mo, -Zn), sendo que em um dos tratamentos, as plantas foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva com todos nutrientes. Durante o experimento, observou-se que a deficiência nutricional, além de propiciar o aparecimento de sintomas de deficiência que prejudicam o desenvolvimento vegetal, comprometeu também a produção de massa de plantas jovens de aroeira-pimenteira. Estes resultados claramente evidenciam o fato de que projetos de implantação de florestas ou de recuperação e restauração de ecossistemas degradados que utilizem a aroeira-pimenteira, em solos que necessitem de suplementação nutricional, poderão ter seu sucesso comprometido se não houver a complementação nutricional necessária.

Growth of seedlings Schizolobium amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) on substrate fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium

The nutritional management of seedlings in the nursery is one of the most important practices that influence seedling quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the development of Schizolobium amazonicum seedlings grown in 250 cm(3) containers with a commercial substrate in the North of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized design with five treatments and five replications, each replication being represented by 24 seedlings. The treatments were: control (only commercial substrate); nitrogen fertilization (150 g m(-3) N using ammonium sulfate + 1.0 kg of ammonium sulfate dissolved in 100 L of water and applied in coverage); phosphorus fertilization (300 g P2O5 m(-3) using simple superphosphate); potassium fertilization (100 g m(-3) K2O using potassium chloride + 0.3 kg of potassium chloride dissolved in 100 L of water and applied in coverage) and; complete (a mixture of the three nutrients, 150, 300 and 100 g m(-3) N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively + 1.0 kg of ammonium sulfate + 0.3 kg of potassium chloride). The commercial substrate was composted milled pine bark plus vermiculite. Evaluations of the seedlings were performed at 90 days after sowing. The complete treatment (NPK) gave the highest values for biometric and best plant indices, which express the quality. When analyzing nutrients in isolation; potassium had the lowest effect. Based on these results it can be recommended to fertilize Schizolobium amazonicum seedlings in nurseries with 150, 300 and 100 g m(-3) of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively, plus 1.0 kg of sulfate ammonium and 0.3 kg of potassium chloride applied in coverage.

Stock of biomass and carbon in the montane mixes shade forest, Parana

The aim of this study was to estimate the stock of biomass and organic carbon in a montane mixed shade forest located near General Carneiro, PR. 20 plots of 12 m x 12 m were installed, in which all trees with a CBH (Circumference at Breast Height) >= 31.4 cm were felled. From these the following information was obtained: total height, commercial height (agreed as being the morphological inversion point in the natural forest and the height of the first live branch), CBH, identification and collection of herbarium specimens. For the quantification of biomass in the understory and roots, three subunits 1 m x 1 m in each sampling unit were installed (12 m x 12 m) arranged in the lower left corner, center and diagonal upper right corner. To quantify accumulated litter at random, eight samples in each sampling unit were collected (12 m x 12 m), using a metal device measuring 0.25 m x 0.25 m. The montane mixed shade forest has more than 85% of its total biomass and total organic carbon stored in above ground plant structures. The total stock of organic carbon found in this study (104.7 Mg ha(-1)) demonstrates the importance of maintaining and preserving natural ecosystems as a way of maintaining this stock of organic carbon fixed in plant biomass.

STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CANOPIES OF Eucalyptus spp. USING RADIOMETRIC DATA FROM TM/Landsat 5

Empirical approaches and, more recently, physical approaches, have grounded the establishment of logical connections between radiometric variables derived from remote data and biophysical variables derived from vegetation cover. This study was aimed at evaluating correlations of dendrometric and density data from canopies of Eucalyptus spp., as collected in Capao Bonito forest unit, with radiometric data from imagery acquired by the TM/Landsat-5 sensor on two orbital passages over the study site (dates close to field data collection). Results indicate that stronger correlations were identified between crown dimensions and canopy height with near-infrared spectral band data (rho(s)4), irrespective of the satellite passage date. Estimates of spatial distribution of dendrometric data and canopy density (D) using spectral characterization were consistent with the spatial distribution of tree ages during the study period. Statistical tests were applied to evaluate performance disparities of empirical models depending on which date data were acquired. Results indicated a significant difference between models based on distinct data acquisition dates.

CRITICAL POINTS OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF SOLID WOOD FLOORING

The quality concepts represent one of the important factors for the success of organizations and among these concepts the stabilization of the production process contributes to the improvement, waste reduction and increased competitiveness. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the production process of solid wood flooring on its predictability and capacity, based on its critical points. Therefore, the research was divided into three stages. The first one was the process mapping of the company and the elaboration of flowcharts for the activities. The second one was the identification and the evaluation of the critical points using FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) adapted methodology. The third one was the evaluation of the critical points applying the statistical process control and the determination of the process capability for the C-pk index. The results showed the existence of six processes, two of them are critical. In those two ones, fifteen points were considered critical and two of them, related with the dimension of the pieces and defects caused by sandpaper, were selected for evaluation. The productive process of the company is unstable and not capable to produce wood flooring according to the specifications and, therefore these specifications should be reevaluated.

Mapeamento de solos e da produtividade de plantações de Eucalyptus grandis, com uso de sistema de informação geográfica

Detailed environmental land characterization is essential for technical and financial planning, for both the scientific point of view and technological application. This work aimed at the physiographic and pedological characterization and eucalyptus productivity mapping at Itatinga Forest Sciences Experimental Station (southeastern Brazil), using geographic information systems in order to identify possible cause-effect relationships between forest productivity and soil attributes. The digital cartographic dataset was structured as follows: as primary source of data, aerial photograph and field survey were used and, as a secondary source, topographical, geological and land use occupation maps were used. For mapping wood productivity at age six (MAI6, Mean Annual Increment), inventory data of permanent plots (same species, provenance and age) were used, which were obtained from Eucalyptus grandis plantations. Using simple linear correlation and backward stepwise multiple regression analysis, the dependent variable (MAI) was related with physical and chemical characteristics of the soils. Two standards of contour curves were identified, one with close curves, narrow and surrounding the drainage network, in the steeper and lower altitude areas; the other, with spaced contour lines, in the areas of higher altitude and with plane relief. Six types of soils were characterized as being highly related to the physiographic patterns of the area: loamy sandy to sandy clayey Typic Hapludox (LVAd, 47.5%), clayey Rhodic Hapludox (LVd1, 33.4%), sandy clay Rhodic Hapludox (LVd2, 6%), clayey Rhodic Hapludox (LVdf, 9.1%), Entisols (G, 3.4%) and Fluvents soil (RY, 0.6%). There were large variations in wood productivity in the Eucalyptus grandis plantations, characterized in six classes, ranging from 26 to 52 m(3) ha(-1) yr(-1). These productivity changes were strictly related to soil mapping units. Through multiple regression analysis, we found that clay and organic matter contents were the attributes which most strongly explained the productivity differences.

Produção de painéis maciços de tábuas e cavilhas de madeira ("Stack-board"). Estudo de caso de uma fábrica austríaca

O trabalho tem como foco a análise do processo produtivo de painéis maciços feitos como tábuas e cavilhas de madeira ("stack-board") em uma fábrica austríaca, visando identificar seus pontos positivos e negativos e fornecer uma visão geral de algumas das principais variáveis envolvendo a manufatura desse produto.

Seleção de clones de figueira cv. roxo de Valinhos formados por gemas irradiadas

A figueira (Ficus carica L.), pertencente à família das Moráceas, constitui-se numa das mais importantes frutíferas cultivadas, elevando o Brasil à condição de décimo maior produtor e exportador de figos do mundo. Porém, a ficicultura apresenta alguns problemas fitossanitários, além de, no Brasil, estar toda implantada com uma única cultivar, a Roxo de Valinhos, que produz frutos sem sementes, inviabilizando o melhoramento convencional. Nesse sentido, o melhoramento genético, com o uso de mutagênicos, passa a ser uma linha de pesquisa altamente importante, podendo contribuir enormemente para o desenvolvimento da cultura. Diante disto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi selecionar mutantes em plantas de figueira formadas por estacas irradiadas com raios gama, a fim de aumentar sua variabilidade genética com relação ao desenvolvimento vegetativo e reprodutivo. Utilizaram-se plantas formadas por estacas originadas de gemas da cultivar Roxo de Valinhos irradiadas com raios gama, no irradiador tipo Gamma a 0,10 m do ápice, na dose de Gy com taxa de dose de 238 Gy/h. O experimento constou de 450 tratamentos, sendo cada planta formada considerada um tratamento, numerando-as sequencialmente de 1 a 450 e cultivadas em espaçamento de 2,5 x 1,5 m.. As avaliações foram realizadas a partir das características tanto das folhas quanto dos frutos, bem como da incidência das principais pragas e doenças da cultura nestas plantas. Da análise dos dados, conclui-se que há variabilidade genética entre os tratamentos e que algumas plantas são prováveis mutantes, mostrando-se assim com potencial para posteriores estudos, devendo ser testadas em plantios comerciais.

Variabilidade genética para caracteres juvenis de progênies de Cedrela fissilis Vell.: subsídio para definição de zonas de coleta e uso de sementes

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar diferenças genéticas entre três grupos de matrizes de Cedrela fissilis a partir de variáveis quantitativas juvenis em teste de progênies, para delinear zonas de coleta e uso de sementes da espécie na região de estudo, bem como avaliar a variabilidade genética do material amostrado. Instalou-se um teste de progênies, em viveiro, a partir de sementes de 48 matrizes amostradas nos Municípios de Rio Negrinho, Mafra e São Bento do Sul, no Estado de Santa Catarina; e em Lapa, Rio Negro, Campo do Tenente e Antonio Olinto, no Estado do Paraná. Das matrizes coletadas, 33 encontravam-se distribuídas em três grupos espaciais e 15 dispersas na região. O delineamento em blocos casualizados com oito repetições e 20 plantas por parcela foi empregado. Os dados avaliados incluíram: índice de velocidade de emergência, diâmetro do colo e altura das mudas (aos 61, 102 e 145 dias após a semeadura); sobrevivência, número de folhas por muda, massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz e área foliar da terceira folha totalmente expandida a contar do ápice. A metodologia de máxima verossimilhança restrita foi utilizada para a análise estatística, com o auxílio do software SELEGEN. Verificou-se que os caracteres juvenis apresentam elevado controle genético, podendo ser utilizados para avaliação da variabilidade genética de amostras de populações da espécie. Os três grupos de matrizes delimitados espacialmente não apresentam diferenças genéticas significativas, sendo possível inferir que as três áreas pertencem a uma mesma zona de coleta e uso de sementes