Eucalyptus Benthamii Research Articles

Modelagem da relação altura-diâmetro de eucalipto em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária

Abstract The objective of this work was to compare the height-diameter relationship, described by nonlinear biological models, in Eucalyptus benthamii in monoculture forestry and in three different integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS): crop-forestry, livestock-forestry, and crop-livestock-forestry. The trees were evaluated during seven years after planting. Five nonlinear biological models were fitted to evaluate the height-diameter relationship, and Gompertz’s model was selected to describe the data, although all models described satisfactorily the height-diameter relationship of the trees in the ICLS. The analysis of the data showed that there is no similarity between monoculture forestry and the ICLS as to the height-diameter relationship. In addition, the height-diameter relationship in E. benthamii changes between the different ICLS. Particularly, two systems with cattle provide the same values of maximum growth rate, asymptote, and inflection point of diameter at breast height. Furthermore, with the integration of cattle into the tree component, the produced trees show lower asymptotic heights, with larger diameters when the average tree heights of the ICLS are equal.

Short-term changes related to autotetraploidy in essential oil composition of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage and its applications in different bioassays

Some forest trees have been polyploidized to improve their traits and to supply new germplasms for breeding programs. As trees have a long juvenile stage, the early characterization of the chromosome set doubling effects is crucial for previous selection. Thus, we aimed to characterize the chemical variability of essential oils from diploid and autotetraploid germplasms (autotetraploid A and B) of Eucalyptus benthamii, as well as to evaluate their larvicidal and allelopathic effects. Autotetraploid A showed a higher essential oil yield than diploid and autotetraploid B, which did not differ quantitatively. Aromadendrene, viridiflorol and α-pinene were the major compounds in the diploid essential oil. In contrast, compounds were present in autotetraploids, such as 1,8-cineole, limonene, α-terpineol, and α-terpinyl-acetate. Essential oils from the diploid at 50–200 ppm were twice as larvicidal than those from autotetraploids against Aedes aegypti larvae. Considering the phytotoxicity bioassays using Lactuca sativa, essential oils from both ploidy levels affected root growth. Moreover, the essential oils inhibited shoot growth at all concentrations tested (187.5; 375; 750; 1500; and 3000 ppm). Autotetraploid A and B had the same effect on shoot growth as glyphosate. The essential oils had no cytogenotoxic effect on root meristematic cells of L. sativa, whereas phytotoxic potential was identified mainly in shoot growth. This work demonstrated a dramatic change in secondary metabolism (terpene composition) related to an increase in the ploidy level in Eucalyptus germplasms. In addition, we report the novelty of the chemical composition of essential oils among germplasms and their potential use as larvicidal and post-emergence weed control agents.

Energy properties of Eucalyptus benthamii wood based on tree age and region in Guarapuava, Paraná state, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the properties of Eucalyptus benthamii wood for bioenergy purposes. Trees were sampled in five diametric classes and used to evaluate properties of the wood according to three ages (5, 6 and 7 years) in three regions of E. benthamii production in Parana state, southern Brazil. The basic density, proximate analysis, gross calorific value and net calorific value, and energy density were determined. For evaluation of the energy properties, 27 composite samples were used, which represented tree classes of minimum, medium and maximum diameter. The variables were statistically analysed under the effect of tree age and region. Basic density was positively affected by age, and this effect was reflected in energy density of the wood. The interaction of Region 1 with trees of age seven years identified the best conditions for biomass energy production from this source. As there were no significant differences in the immediate chemical analysis and the calorific value for either factor evaluated, we suggest that plantation managers could reduce the cutting cycle without compromising the energy efficiency of these forests.

Genomic relationship–based genetic parameters and prospects of genomic selection for growth and wood quality traits in Eucalyptus benthamii

The unique adaptation of Eucalyptus benthamii to low temperatures coupled to fast growth and versatile wood quality has made it a valued plantation species in frost-prone areas worldwide, but little is known on its quantitative genetic parameters for key industrial traits. We used GBLUP additive (GA), additive-dominant (GAD), single-step (HBLUP), and pedigree-based predictive models to estimate lignin, extractives, carbohydrates, and wood density at age 4 and tree volume at age 6. By capturing hidden relatedness and correcting pedigree errors, SNP data disentangled non-additive from additive variance providing more realistic estimates of narrow-sense heritability than pedigrees, and more accurate predictions of trait values. Predictive abilities (PAs) ranged from 0.12 for volume (pedigree-based model) to 0.44 for wood density (models H, GA, and GAD). Considerable dominance variance was seen for all traits, growth was the trait most influenced by it, resulting in PAs 48.9% higher when this effect is considered, a result with important consequences both for clonal propagation and overall selection efficiency (Seff). Using a HBLUP model, phenotypes of non-genotyped trees increased PAs by increasing sample size and provided realized relationships with reduced genotyping cost. In a recurrent selection program, the preclusion of progeny testing provides an increase in Seff between 232% and 299%. In a clonal selection program, the elimination of both progeny and initial clonal trial may increase Seff between 134% and 277%. Increasing selection intensity by genomic prediction resulted in an additional impact on Seff. This study provides groundwork to implement genomic selection in E. benthamii breeding.

Calibration approach and range of observed sap flow influences transpiration estimates from thermal dissipation sensors

Calibrating thermal dissipation (TD) sap flow sensors has become increasingly important to accurately estimate whole-tree transpiration, but it is unclear how the calibration approach itself influences the resulting coefficients and estimates. Here, we compare the two most common calibration approaches, gravimetric and potometric, using TD sensors inserted into Eucalyptus benthamii tree stems. The gravimetric approach uses an excised stem segment devoid of branches and leaves and pushes water through the stem using gravity, a positive force. The potometric approach uses a severed stem containing an intact canopy placed upright in a reservoir where water is pulled through the stem via transpiration, a negative force. We hypothesized that the positive pressure associated with gravimetric calibration would overestimate conductive sapwood area relative to that estimated from potometric calibration and that coefficients from these different approaches would result in different estimates of transpiration when applied to intact trees. We also predicted that calibrations could improve transpiration estimates by targeting the range of observed sap flow rates (i.e., K values) in intact trees. Conductive sapwood area was higher under gravimetric calibrations and resulting estimates of transpiration were lower compared to potometric calibrations. Segmented calibration curves, which fit two separate curves for the relationship between sap flux density (Fd) and sap flux index (K) based on the range of sap flow rates observed in intact trees, increased transpiration estimates from both gravimetric and potometric coefficients and diminished the magnitude of difference in transpiration estimates between approaches. Researchers should be aware that calibration approach and range of observed sap flow profoundly influences transpiration estimates from TD sensors and this likely applies to calibrations of other heat-based sap flow sensors.

Occurrence of Calonectria leaf blight in Eucalyptus benthamii progenies and potential for disease resistance

Leaf blight caused by the fungi of the genus Calonectria represents a high economic risk for forestry companies due to the high potential of economic damage to commercial eucalyptus plantations. An outbreak of leaf blight was observed in Eucalyptus benthamii progeny in three sites in Southern Brazil. This study aimed to: (i) identify the causal agents of the disease; (ii) quantify the incidence and severity of leaf blight (CLB), and (iii) evaluate the selection for CLB resistance potential of E. benthamii. The incidence of the disease was 100% and severity progressed over time, causing more than 50% of canopy defoliation in most trees. The fungal species associated with this study were C. metrosideri and C. spathulata, both found to be pathogenic; C. spathulata was the most aggressive. Infection of E. benthamii by these fungi was associated with temperatures around 18 °C and relative humidity of approximately 74%. There is sufficient genetic variability for the selection of resistant E. benthamii progenies to CLB, based on low severity degrees.

TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER FOR METRIC EXTRACTION IN EUCALYPTUS UNDER DIFFERENT IMPLANTATION SYSTEMS

This study evaluates the influence of the cropping system in the extraction of Eucalyptus benthamii metrics by terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and by traditional inventory. The hypothesis is that the extraction methods do not differ significantly from each other. The study area consists of a conventional planting system under 3 x 2 m spacing, and a CFI (crop-forest integration) system under 14 x 2 m spacing. To obtain the variables DBH (diameter at 1.3 m aboveground) and total height (H), we used a traditional inventory and collected data with TLS. For point cloud processing, we manually extracted the metrics DBH and H by simple scanning. We estimated total volume (V) by a fitted equation that matches the characteristics of the study area. To estimate above-ground biomass (AGB), we fitted models based on AGB data provided by the NITA project and by BIOFIX. Better visualization of trees in the CFI system facilitated metric extraction, leading to less data variability. In addition, DBH, V, and AGB values were higher in the CFI system compared to the conventional system. However, when including the number of trees per hectare, the conventional system is more productive. The initial hypothesis was confirmed. Therefore, metric extraction using the traditional inventory and TLS methods did not differ significantly for the two cropping systems considered.

Avian Breeding Season Diversity and Community Composition in Camden White Gum and Slash Pine Plantations

Abstract In the southern United States, some landowners have established plantations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and are managing them on short rotations (<15 years) to provide wood for fiber and other potential uses. Establishment of short-rotation woody crops dominated by nonnative species has implications for resident fauna in the United States that are largely unknown. We compared avifauna abundance, diversity, and community composition in newly established Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii) plantations with slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations of the same age and height (one to two and six to seven years old, respectively) in southwestern Louisiana, USA. Species richness, diversity, and community composition in newly established eucalyptus plantations and six- to seven-year-old pines were similar. More birds were observed, and bird detections varied less in eucalyptus plantations. Indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) and other shrub-associated species were detected more often in eucalyptus stands. In contrast, species that inhabit herbaceous-dominated communities, such as eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), or that were associated with a dense graminoid community (e.g., Bachman’s sparrow [Peucaea aestivalis]) were detected less often in eucalyptus. Overall, breeding bird communities in eucalyptus plantations one to two years postestablishment differed little from plantations dominated by slash pine.

Bioethanol production using high density Eucalyptus crops in Uruguay

Experimental scale crops for Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus tereticornis, at 2,220, 4,440 and 6,660 trees ha−1 were established in two soil units, at Paysandú and Tacuarembó, Uruguay. Wood samples were taken from twenty-two-months-old trees, and were used to produce bioethanol by pre-hydrolysis simultaneous saccharyfication and fermentation process (PSSF). Cellulose and lignin content was analyzed. Species and planting density affected biomass production at both sites; the highest value was obtained with E. dunnii at 6,660 trees ha−1 at Paysandú. Cellulose content of wood varied between species at both sites, but only between planting densities at Tacuarembó. The site effect showed that the highest amount of cellulose (14.7 Mg ha−1) was produced at Paysandú. E. benthamii and E. tereticornis wood showed higher lignin contents, conversely, the PSSF yields showed no differences, which led to a bioethanol average of 97 L Mg−1. Bioethanol productivity was associated to the biomass productivity. It was possible to obtain 2,650 L ha−1 of bioethanol using wood from E. benthamii, E. dunnii and E. grandis at 4,440 and 6,660 trees ha−1 at Paysandú, and with E. benthamii at 4,440 and 6,660 trees ha−1, and E. dunnii at 6,660 trees ha−1 at Tacuarembó.

Essential oils in pathogen resistance induction of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden et Cambage

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the essential oils of Melaleuca alternifolia, Casearia sylvestris and Eugenia uniflora as inducers of defense mechanisms in Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings. Four mL of each oil, with a concentration of 0.75% were sprayed in E. benthamii seedlings and two bioassays were performed, in the first, the essential oils were sprayed and after 30 days, sugars, proteins, peroxidases, phenylalanine ammonia (PAL), and phenols were evaluated and; in the second, seven days after the first analysis, the essential oils were again sprayed and after three days, the same variables were evaluated. The essential oils of M. alternifolia, C. sylvestris, and E. uniflora sprayed had no significant effects on E. benthamii seedlings after 30 days in terms of total sugars, proteins, peroxidase, PAL activity, and phenols. However, when M. alternifolia and E. uniflora essential oils were sprayed seven days after the first analysis with evaluation after 3 days, an increase in total sugars was observed. After these days, all essential oils promoted an increase in protein levels. The oils of E. uniflora and C. sylvestris also increased peroxidase levels. The PAL defense enzyme not showed increased when essential oils were used. The essential oils of M. alternifolia and C. sylvestris had potential as inducers of defense mechanisms on E. benthamii seedlings after 3 days of their application, what it demonstrated not be permanent.

Liming and macronutrient on early growth of Eucalyptus benthamii

ABSTRACT: Macronutrient suppression is one way to identify which chemical elements is the most important in the early development of seedlings of forest species. This study evaluated the initial growth of Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings through morphological and physiological variables, submitted to doses of N, P and K, and liming. The experimental design to install the experiment was completely randomized, with a 2x9 factorial scheme, in which levels of factor “A” referred to absence and presence of liming and levels of factor “B”, to the different treatments of NPK. Morphological variables of SD (stem diameter) and H (height) and the physiological variables of A (photosynthesis), E (transpiration), gs (stomatal conductance), Ci/Ca (relationship between intercellular and atmospheric CO2 concentration) and WUE (water use efficiency) were measured. For morphological variables, the absence of N directly affected the means and there was a direct relationship between increase of the dose and increase of SD and H. There was a positive relationship of P mainly in relation to shoot dry matter content (SDMC) and root dry matter content (RDMC). For the physiological variables, there was no direct response with the doses of N or P, with K being the element that most influenced the variables, especially when limestone was applied, resulting in higher averages for photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance. With the purpose of meeting the morphological and physiological demands, the recommendation for cultivation of Eucalyptus benthamii under the conditions of this study is the doses 150-200-150, without liming application.

Qualidade das juntas coladas de madeira de cinco espécies de Eucalyptus com adesivos acetato de polivinila e resorcina-formaldeído

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial das madeiras de Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus saligna e Eucalyptus urophylla, para produção de painéis colados lateralmente (EGP) e madeira laminada colada (MLC). As propriedades físicas e químicas das madeiras foram determinadas com base nas normas COPANT 461/459:1972 e TAPPI 204/252:2002. Foram confeccionadas juntas coladas com adesivo acetato de polivinila (PVA), com gramaturas de 150 g m-2 e 200 g m-2, e resorcina-formaldeído (RF), com 200 g m-2 e 300 g m-2. A qualidade de colagem foi avaliada por meio de ensaios de cisalhamento, com base na norma EN 13354:2008. Todas as espécies apresentaram densidade básica de média a baixa e anisotropia de contração de média a alta. O teor de extrativos totais e pH estão dentro da faixa referenciada na literatura. As avaliações dos resultados com base nos requisitos da norma EN 15353:2008 para 5º percentil inferior indicaram que as espécies E. benthamii, E. dunnii, E. grandis e E. saligna, apresentam potencial para produção de painéis EGP com adesivo PVA, para o uso interno, e externo com cobertura. Para a colagem com adesivo RF, o E. dunni apresentou melhores resultados, sendo indicativo do seu bom potencial para a produção de madeira laminada colada, visando aplicações estruturais em ambientes interno úmido e externo. Para os dois tipos de adesivos o aumento na gramatura não afetou os resultados de cisalhamento das juntas coladas.

Liming and Fertilization on the Growth of Eucalyptus benthamii and Eucalyptus dunnii in Brazil

The use of mineral fertilizers has shown substantial productivity gains for the vast majority of Eucalyptus forests. The objective of the present work is to evaluate the response of Eucalyptus benthamii and Eucalyptus dunnii at 48 months of age, to different doses of limestone, soluble NPK, and natural phosphates. The experiment was conducted in a plantation located in South Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications, and the treatments consisted of combinations of doses of natural phosphate (NP) (0, 400, 600, and 800 kg ha−1 of Gafsa reactive NP P2O5), limestone (0, 3, 5, 6, and 10 Mg ha−1 of dolomitic limestone), and mineral fertilizer–NPK (0, 100, 133, and 167 kg ha−1 of mixed mineral fertilizer 6-30-6). Height and diameter measurements were taken after 48 months. There was a positive response with the increase of NPK fertilizer dose, and the dose where the highest averages were obtained was 167 kg ha−1. The doses of NP had significant effects on the increase of the variables up to 600 kg ha−1, also the averages decreased with the increase of the dosage. For liming, positive results were observed from its absence to the maximum dose, justifying its use in minimum dose in order to supply the necessary amounts of Ca and Mg in the soil. The use of NPK, natural phosphate, and limestone is recommended, causing an increase in the growth of both species of Eucalyptus studied.

Technical Note: Properties of Wood from Frost-Tolerant Eucalyptus Planted in Brazil

The study of the technological characteristics of wood is of great importance as it provides information that may help to direct its best use. It is also useful in forest breeding programs and in the choice of which species to plant. Traditionally, the most planted tree in Brazil is the hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla. The planting of Eucalyptus in Brazilian cold regions has intensified in recent years, and this and other species of the genus have also been used for this. Wood basic density, fiber dimensions, chemical composition, and higher heating value (HHV) of Eucalyptus benthamii,Eucalyptus dunnii, and Eucalyptus saligna, all species with a tolerance to frost, were analyzed. Basic densities, all greater than 460 kg/m3, were not significantly different among species. E. dunnii had the longest fiber ().98 mm), the highest holocellulose content, and the lowest lignin content, showing its potential for pulping. E. Benthamii and E. Salignatogether have higher lignin content with greater HHV, and so are more indicated for energy. Total extractive and ash content were high, but there were no significant differences among the species.

Eucalyptus Are Unlikely to Escape Plantations and Invade Surrounding Forests Managed with Prescribed Fire in Southeastern US

Woody biomass production can increase through establishment of non-native tree species exhibiting greater growth potential than traditional native species. Interest in growing Eucalyptus in the southeastern US has raised concern over its potential spread and invasion, which could impact ecosystem properties and functions. Within the matrix of land use where Eucalyptus establishment is being considered in the southeastern US, surrounding pine forests managed with fire represent a likely pathway for invasion. We used greenhouse and field experiments to evaluate the potential invasion risk of Eucalyptus benthamii. We were specifically interested in determining if seeds could successfully germinate in fire-maintained pine forests and if fire-return intervals influenced germination through impacts on litter accumulation and light availability. The greenhouse experiment investigated the influence of light availability on germination success, whereas the field study investigated the influence of time since fire, and thus litter accumulation and light availability, on germination success. Percent germination was similar under non-shaded controls and moderate shade, but complete shade resulted in low germination rates. Germination was lower in the field compared to the greenhouse and was influenced by litter and light availability, which varied according to fire-return intervals. Litter increased, and light availability decreased, with time since burn. Germination was negatively related to litter depth and positively related to light availability, thereby decreasing with time since fire. Germination increased with litter removal but remained positively related to light availability after litter removal. Higher germination with litter removal suggests germination is influenced by litter, but higher germination with increased light availability, regardless of raking, suggests germination is also influenced by light availability. Despite these relationships, no seedlings persisted through the growing season. The low germination rates under a variety of field conditions coupled with the lack of persistence suggests establishment may be unlikely, regardless of the surrounding land matrix.

Potential of a population of Eucalyptus benthamii based on growth and technological characteristics of wood

The study of the potential of a plant population makes the selection of a breeding program more efficient, allowing satisfactory genetic gains and identifying the potential of this population, among others, for advances in generations. The genetic potential of Eucalyptus benthamii is still poorly studied. This species has relevant characteristics for increasing productivity, frost tolerance and, mainly, the quality of wood, with an emphasis on cellulose production. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of a sample of Eucalyptus individuals for suitability of use, based on technological characteristics and wood growth through uni, bi, and multivariate techniques. The genetic material sampled comes from a test of progenies of E. benthamii, 4 years old from the company CMPC Celulose Riograndense. The sample consisted of 75 individuals of E. benthamii and three individuals of three other species that were used as controls (E. saligna, E. grandis and E. dunnii), totaling 87 individuals, chosen by industrial criteria. The population of E. benthamii under study has good potential to be explored through selective techniques in view of the witnesses used, considering the descriptive statistics, the association of characteristics and analysis of factors. Also, enabling the selection of superior materials within this sampling.

Cold acclimation and freezing tolerance in three Eucalyptus species: A metabolomic and proteomic approach

The ability of plants to cope with frost events relies on the physiological and molecular responses triggered by cold temperatures. This process, named acclimation, involves reprogramming gene expression in order to adjust metabolism. Planted Eucalyptus species are highly productive but most of them are frost sensitive. However, acclimation process varies among species and environmental conditions, promoting more or less frost damage in young plantations of frost-prone areas. To identify metabolites and proteins responsible for these differences, two acclimation regimes were imposed to seedling of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden (Eg), Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden (Ed) and Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden Cambage (Eb), and leaves submitted to biochemical and molecular analyses. Further, seedlings were used for simulated frosts in order to test the acclimation status effect on frost tolerance. Eb showed higher frost tolerance than Ed and Eg under control and acclimation scenarios, possibly due to its higher accumulation of phenolics, anthocyanins and soluble sugars as well as lower levels of photosynthetic pigments and related proteins. Also, a rise in frost tolerance and in osmoprotectants and antioxidants was observed for all the species due to cold acclimation treatment. Interestingly, metabolic profiles differed among species, suggesting different mechanisms to endure frosts and, probably, different requirements for cold acclimation. Shotgun proteomics reinforced differences and commonalities and supported metabolome observations. An in depth understanding of these responses could help to safeguard planted forests productivity through breeding of tolerant genetic material.

Chemistry matters: biological activity of Eucalyptus essential oils on mosquito larval mortality

AbstractThe mosquito Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a vector of arboviral diseases such as dengue fever. Currently, the main approach to mosquito control is the application of synthetic insecticides, which can lead to negative environmental impacts and insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. As such, there has been increased interest in developing alternative methods for control of vector populations such as utilizing plant compounds that act as larvicides. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of Eucalyptus sp. (Myrtaceae) essential oils for control of Ae. aegypti larvae. The essential oils of seven Eucalyptus species and hybrids were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The essential oils were further diluted in water with acetone (0.40%) at the following concentrations: 100, 50, 25, and 10 μg ml−1. Mortality trials were conducted in plastic containers with a solution of ultrapure water and 200 μl of diluted oil for a total volume of 50 ml per treatment. The experiments for each Eucalyptus species/hybrid and concentration were performed in triplicate, using a control containing only water and acetone. Twenty larvae were added to each container and mortality was recorded at 1, 2, 4, and 24 h. The Eucalyptus essential oils showed larvicidal activity in most of the evaluated concentrations, mainly at 50 and 100 μg ml−1. Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage and the hybrid Urograndis displayed the highest larvicidal potential (100% at 24 h) in the 100 μg ml−1 treatment. Larval mortality of Ae. aegypti showed a positive correlation with the compounds γ‐, o‐cymol, o‐cymene, terpineol, 3‐dodecylfuran‐2,5‐dione, α‐pinene, globulol, and ledol. The most abundant compounds identified in the essential oils were 1,8‐cineole and α‐pinene. These results highlight the potential of using Eucalyptus essential oils for the isolation of natural larvicidal products.

Measuring Individual Tree Diameter and Height Using GatorEye High-Density UAV-Lidar in an Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System

Accurate forest parameters are essential for forest inventory. Traditionally, parameters such as diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height are measured in the field by level gauges and hypsometers. However, field inventories are usually based on sample plots, which, despite providing valuable and necessary information, are laborious, expensive, and spatially limited. Most of the work developed for remote measurement of DBH has used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), which has high density point clouds, being an advantage for the accurate forest inventory. However, TLS still has a spatial limitation to application because it needs to be manually carried to reach the area of interest, requires sometimes challenging field access, and often requires a field team. UAV-borne (unmanned aerial vehicle) lidar has great potential to measure DBH as it provides much higher density point cloud data as compared to aircraft-borne systems. Here, we explore the potential of a UAV-lidar system (GatorEye) to measure individual-tree DBH and total height using an automatic approach in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system with seminal forest plantations of Eucalyptus benthamii. A total of 63 trees were georeferenced and had their DBH and total height measured in the field. In the high-density (>1400 points per meter squared) UAV-lidar point cloud, we applied algorithms (usually used for TLS) for individual tree detection and direct measurement of tree height and DBH. The correlation coefficients (r) between the field-observed and UAV lidar-derived measurements were 0.77 and 0.91 for DBH and total tree height, respectively. The corresponding root mean square errors (RMSE) were 11.3% and 7.9%, respectively. UAV-lidar systems have the potential for measuring relatively broad-scale (thousands of hectares) forest plantations, reducing field effort, and providing an important tool to aid decision making for efficient forest management. We recommend that this potential be explored in other tree plantations and forest environments.

Evaluation of the nutrient content in biomass of Eucalyptus species from short rotation plantations in Uruguay

Forest biomass is an interesting option for bioenergy generation, however sustainability aspects should be carefully considered. In this context, the nutrient exportation is a key factor for reach a sustainable biomass production by an adequate harvest decision about what tree's fractions will export less nutrients of farms. In this work biomass production per fraction and nutrient export for three eucalypt species (Eucalyptus benthamii, E.dunnii and E.grandis) planted at four planting densities: 2220, 3330, 4440 and 6660 trees per hectare, in two different sites, were evaluated at the age of 76 months. The assessed nutrients were: P, Ca, Mg, K and N in bark, branches, leaves, and stemwood fractions. Nutrients use efficiency and the balance between available cations in the soil (Ca, Mg and K) vs their export in the different tree components were assessed. The effect of the interaction (species x planting density) for almost all the variables evaluated was not significant in both sites. The nutrients concentration is slightly affected by the planting density while the nutrient export is significantly related to this parameter in both sites. Bark is the fraction with the higher Ca and Mg concentration values, whereas the higher concentrations of N and K were found on the leaves, meanwhile debarked stemwood is the fraction with the lower nutrient concentration. In the short term, K would be the nutrient that will exhaust first, although the use of stemwood allows an important reduction in the use of cations. Even with low planting densities it is possible to obtain high biomass yields and similar to those achieved with the lowest spacing in particular at the Paysandú site.