Quantification of damage and initial growth of eucalyptus in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Background The integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) system is a sustainable production model composed by tree species intercropped with annual crops and forage species. The choice of the tree species that will compose the ICLF is characterized as a fundamental requirement in the adoption of the system. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the initial growth and adaptation of two eucalyptus genotypes cultivated in ICLF systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. Methods The eucalyptus genotypes (E. cloeziana and E. urograndis) were intercropped with Sorghum bicolor and Urochloa brizantha in two ICLF systems in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Qualitative data expressed by occurrences of damage and weaknesses, as well as quantitative data measured by survival rates, diameter at soil height, diameter at breast height, and total height of trees were evaluated in four periods. The data were analyzed by a correlation matrix and analysis of variance, and them qualitative and quantitative data to were analyzed in relation to the rainfall distribution during the studied period. Results The occurrence of Trigona spinipes and termite were the main biotic factors that caused damage and weaknesses to E. cloeziana and E. urograndis, respectively, directly impacting the initial growth and survival rate of eucalyptus.. The growth of E. urograndis was higher than E. cloeziana at 450, 630, 1020, and 1320 days after transplanting. On the other hand, E. cloeziana showed the highest survival rate (80.6%) while E. urograndis presented greater tolerance to the water stress. Conclusion The hibrid E. urograndis proved to be more adapted to edaphoclimatic conditions studied in the Cerrado region and can be indicated to ICLF systems implanted in regions characterized by high temperatures and irregular rainfall distribution.