Shape and size relationships of Araucaria angustifolia in South Brazil

Abstract

Studies on morphology and occupancy area of trees provide knowledge on features and functions of forest ecosystem, especially in terms of competition and growth of trees. The main purpose of this work was to develop models for shape and size relationships of Araucaria angustifolia in natural forest remains of species. Dendrometric and morphometric variables from 210 trees from three sites were used. Results showed that the species present different shape and size, vigor and productive capacity in evaluated sites. Fitted models indicated that there was transition in competition mode (symmetric or asymmetric) for resources, which is result of available growing space for trees. Relationship between shape and size is derived from slope of regression line and regarded as an indication of need for silvicultural interventions to reduce competition, which is a key information for obtaining better practices in forest management.

RELAÇÕES MORFOMÉTRICAS PARA Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze EM SANTA CATARINA

“…Os ajustes de relações morfométricas mostraram que isso provoca mudanças na dinâmica estrutural da floresta. Minatti et al (2016) indicaram que o intervalo de variação na forma das árvores é considerado pela variação em sua dimensão, bem como pelo nível de competição em que as árvores estavam sujeitas durante seu desenvolvimento. Com isso, o estudo das relações morfométricas e interdimensionais pode permitir a identificação da necessidade de intervenção na floresta.…”