Abstract
ABSTRACT The BDq method is based on the concept of a balanced forest, in which the current growth can be periodically removed while maintaining the initial diameter distribution of the forest. This study aimed to analyze the technical feasibility in the application of three cutting intensities and six scenarios in sustainably managed Caatinga vegetation. The study was carried out at the Fazendas Baixa da Oiticica, Rancho da Velha, and Tabuleiro de Dentro, located in the municipality of Upanema (state of Rio Grande do Norte), with an area of around 343 hectares. We established 11 plots of 20 × 20 m and measured all individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 6 cm within these plots. The individuals were identified in the field, and the APG IV classification system was adopted to organize the list of scientific names and families. Three management alternatives were proposed, namely reducing 40% (Scenario 1), 50% (Scenario 2), and 60% (Scenario 3) of the basal area and the actual volume for the application of the BDq method. In total, 1,680 individuals distributed in 10 families, 18 species, 16 genera, and 7 diameter classes were inventoried. Considering rational, sustainable harvesting, and following the theoretical rules of dynamic processes, cuts may not be carried out in larger diameter class centers (22.45, 27.45, and 32.45 cm). Scenario 3 showed the most effective results, as it allows the harvesting of the highest number of individuals and provides a greater economic return.
Highlights
The Caatinga biome is the ecosystem with the largest vegetation coverage in northeastern Brazil
It has suffered from substantial deforestation, it contributes to the economy of the northeastern region through the provision of environmental services, albeit only under sustainable use (SOTERO et al, 2013)
Sustainable use of the Caatinga is a propagator of the local economy, reducing the rate of deforestation and, preserving the biome and its essential environmental functions (ARAÚJO, 2015)
Summary
The Caatinga biome is the ecosystem with the largest vegetation coverage in northeastern Brazil. Its area accounts for approximately 70% of the northeastern region and for 11% of the Brazilian territory and is included in the drought polygon (ALVES, 2007). It has suffered from substantial deforestation, it contributes to the economy of the northeastern region through the provision of environmental services, albeit only under sustainable use (SOTERO et al, 2013). Sustainable use of the Caatinga is a propagator of the local economy, reducing the rate of deforestation and, preserving the biome and its essential environmental functions (ARAÚJO, 2015). The sustainable use of forest resources is achieved through reasonable forest management, aimed at minimizing the ecological impacts of harvesting and increasing the regenerative capacity of the forest (VERÍSSIMO; PEREIRA, 2015)
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