Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aims to generate the diagnosis and spatial variability maps of soil fertility attributes, as well as teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) production through geostatistics. The study was conducted on a commercial farm in the municipality of Capitao Poco, state of Para, Brazil. Soil and yield data were collected from 155 sampled georeferenced points and 143 were used in the study (after outlier removal). The collected soil samples were submitted to laboratory analysis to obtain the values of the following variables: pH, organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K), available phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al), Base Sum (BS), cation exchange capacity at pH 7.0 (T), effective cation exchange capacity (t), base saturation (V%) and aluminum saturation (m %). Thereafter a diagnosis, linear correlation univariate and geostatistical analysis were applied in the resulting data. The univariate statistics showed that normal distribution is not required when evaluating spatial variability of chemical and production variables. Soil fertility diagnosis showed K, OM and P as the most limiting parameters in the commercial teak plot and the importance to fertilize forest areas. Positive correlation was found between P, OM, K with volume per tree. All soil fertility and teak volume variables showed spatial dependence, which enabled the production of spatial variability maps. The variability maps showed to be used complementary with univariate statistics to enable more precise interventions in a teak production area, as it showed the shortage of K in the area and the relation of P and volume per tree.
Highlights
Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is a forest species in great demand worldwide
The objective of this study was to generate the diagnosis and spatial variability maps of soil fertility attributes, as well as teak production through geostatistics in order to show the applicability of this tool in their management practices
Farias et al (2003) and Oliveira (2007) showed the variability of potential yield in a citrus orchard and, through the use of geostatistics they were able to produce spatially located maps, which can be used as tools in the treatment of inconsistency in a particular production area
Summary
Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is a forest species in great demand worldwide. Its timber is attractive due to its quality and durability (Keogh, 2013). In order to increase the representation of the state on teak production, researches on fertility and silvicultural management practices are needed. Studies that aimed to find better management practices in teak areas have already shown that the use of techniques such as thinning and greater spacing affect positively on its production (Silva et al, 2016). With the aim of further understanding the response of teak on fertilization Fernández-Moya et al (2017) have shown positive results of the tree after N-P-K application, the authors pointed the need to take in consideration environmental and silvicultural factors in future researches, with the objective to avoid loss of investments and pollution
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