Abstract
ABSTRACT The productivity of Eucalyptus at plantations is increasing and has undergone a variety of research studies. Most research is dealing with simple dendrometric variables like the DBH (diameter at breast height) and tree height, or more complex variables including crown parameters or variables concerning photosynthesis. The root systems, however, have not been well analyzed yet. The objective of the study was to analyze the root system with a non-destructive method and to evaluate possible correlations with dendrometric variables of the tree (DBH, height, crown expansion). A small experimental plantation with 39 even-aged, 6-year-old trees of Eucalyptus grandis x urophylla has been investigated within this study. The results of the study show the highest correlation of the root areas with the crown expansion. In general, the root area shows a significantly bigger expansion in the eucalypt plantation than the tree crown, with a more homogeneous development.
Highlights
According to the Association of the Brazilian Producers of Planted Forests (ABRAF, 2011), Brazil has an area of planted forests of 6.5 million ha, being about 4.75 million ha covered by trees of the genus Eucalyptus
Crown area had a mean value of 7.36 m2 and a standard deviation of 3.62 m2, and the observations ranged from 0.7 m2 to 15.8 m2
The coefficient of correlation of the root area was highest with crown area, reaching 0.59
Summary
According to the Association of the Brazilian Producers of Planted Forests (ABRAF, 2011), Brazil has an area of planted forests of 6.5 million ha, being about 4.75 million ha covered by trees of the genus Eucalyptus. The role of the roots in all the physiological processes is not yet well analyzed, since data collection of this tree compartment is difficult and time consuming. Apart from these facts, the roots play an important role in anchoring, nutrient uptake, and water supply of the tree (RAVEN et al, 2007). The problem is mainly based on the fact that excavating the root system is extremely time consuming and expensive, leading to a lack of information compared to studies focusing on aboveground tree parameters (MEDINA; NEVES, 1999). It is obvious that it would be of great benefit to have more information about the extension of the root system and aboveground variables of a tree
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