Density management in clonal Tectona grandis Linn. f. plantations

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a Density Management Diagram (DMD) for clonal commercial stands of Tectona grandis Linn. f of up to 8 years, in the Center-South region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The DMD related the variables “number of plants per hectare” (N), “quadratic mean diameter” (dg), “mean dominant height” (dh), “volume” (V), and “stand density index” (SDI) using the Reineke model, with a fixed exponent of -1.605. The ranges of optimal management were based on Kumar et al. (1995). The system of equations proposed by Dean and Baldwin (1993) was used to represent the isolines of dominant height and volume. The adjusted system of equations presented satisfactory statistics and the DMD enabled the development of different scenario simulations for the management of this species, helping managers in the decision-making. The results of this study showed that thinnings were being performed too early in the studied areas, therefore revealing the need to change the frequency of this silvicultural practice.