Influência do espaçamento sobre o crescimento e a qualidade da madeira de Pinus taeda L.

Abstract

This study had the objective of evaluating the effect of planting spacing on the growth, yield and wood quality of Pinus taeda L. Nine different spacing were analyzed, with six trees sampled per treatment, totalizing 54 trees. The experiment was localized in the municipality of Otacílio Costa, Santa Catarina, where there were installed a random block design, with three repetitions. The trees were selected using the Assmann dominant and average diameter criteria. These trees were denominated dominant and average trees, respectively. The trees were cut down and measured according to the Smalian method. Discs of the trees to be used in trunk analysis and basic density determination were taken in the heights 0,1, 1,30, 3,30 m and then every meter up to the total height. The disc at DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) was used to determine radial basic density variation and anatomical studies of tracheid and its potential use as pulp and paper. One log of the trunk was taken between the position of the DBH and 3,30 m to determine static bending proprieties. The results showed that the dominant height was not influenced by planting spacing indicating site homogeneity, while average trees were significantly affect by planting spacing. It was possible the formation of groups to describe growth in height, one with reduced spacing and another with average to large, behavior that may be attributed to competition among trees that started before natural mortality took place and tendency to premature growth stagnation growth in diameter of average trees was more influenced than the dominant ones where the pattern of growth in diameter was in accordance with the spacing available per tree; average trees did not present a clear tendency of growth in diameter. The individual volume of the trees was influenced by the spacing. The demarcation age of juvenile and mature wood was best determined using tracheid length. The results from the 18 trees analysed indicate that there were no significant differences among spacing on the demarcation age estimated as 11 to 13 years. Tree basic density was not influenced by the spacing; axial variation of basic density, however, decreases with the increasing height of the tree, both for dominant and average trees; among average trees occurred influence of spacing between planting lines. The basic density in the radial direction of the dominant trees increased with age, influenced by spacing within plants in the planting line. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) of dominant trees increased in the pith to bark direction and with basic density. The MOE and the MOR were not influenced by spacing.