Growth rhythms of the Pinus pinaster, Acacia melanoxylon and Acacia dealbata species in the sand dunes of the northern and central coastal region of Portugal
2003
Freire, J. (Estacao Florestal Nacional, Oeiras (Portugal))
In continental Portugal littoral dunes, wattle's growth rhythms are considerable. They concur with maritime pine for space and growth. This work presents a comparative study of wattle's growth rhythms, considering diameter, total height, and volume under bark of dominant trees. The potential wood production of the region is also studied. The study demonstrates that, up to 20 years old, wattles wood production under bark, specially A. dealbata, is very similar to maritime pine. However, for the same ages, maritime pine reaches larger diameters, while wattle grows higher. Though, even considering wattles are nor managed for sawing or pulp wood production, they may be considered, for this purpose, as a maritime pine current, in the same area and for the same wood volume. So, in spite of being a preliminary and exploiting study, we may state that wattles can be considered differently than usually - no longer as an invading species but as common forest species. And, just like other species, taking in account their characteristics, peculiar behaviours, potential yield and ecological fittings. Always making the most with its use. Trying to eliminate them when convenient, to control them when necessary, to cultivate them when possible. This analysis should be repeated considering a bigger sample and older individuals
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