Comparative study on wood characteristics of Carapa guianensis Aubl. from two plantations and a natural site in Central Amazonia
J. Bauch | O. Dunisch | F. Schuster | L. Gasparotto | C. P. de Azevedo
The study has shown that, especially for the recultivation of degraded land areas, a small portion of long-lived trees for high quality timber production might contribute to the stabilization of mixed culture plantation systems. Nevertheless, the environmental influences on high-quality timber production of many tree species are not known in detail. The present study with Carapa guianensis Aubl. was directed to find out the parameters prevalent already in young trees which determine their growth. These parameters could be useful to predict the wood characteristics and the quality of the adult trees, when they will be sufficiently mature for utilization. The study related to two monocultures at an age of 4 (eight trees) and17 (two trees) years respectively and to a primary forest (two trees). The growth dynamics of the eight 4-year-old trees selected revealed 11 to 15 increment zones which could not be correlated with the labelling of increment zones by vessel enrichment.The study proved that, already in the 5th year, parenchyma bands indicate the pattern of adult wood. The very early formation of adult wood is traceable in the pattern of the percentual composition of vessels, fibres, and parenchyma (ray and strand parenchyma). Furthermore, the fibre length already reaches its plateau of 1.45 - 1.59 mm at the early growth stage of about four years. It could be shown, as well, that the fibre lengths of plantation-grown trees correspond to those of primary forest trees. Average density also could be demonstrated to correspond with about 0.63 g/ cbm. Therefore, it can be expected from the growth increment that under plantation conditions, 30- to 40-year-old trees can be harvested. According to the study, Carapa guianensis can be recommended for plantations in order to produce timber of high quality. The findings of the present study on wood formation and wood characteristics of native tree species of the Central Amazon, therefore, can contribute to the development of sustainable landuse systems in this region
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