Reflections of residue management in forest productivity, nutrition and soil fertility in plantations of Eucalyptus grandis

Author(s)

José Henrique Tertulino Rocha

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2014-02-13

Examining board members

José Leonardo de Moraes Gonçalves; Antonio Francisco Jurado Bellote; Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri

• Advisor: José Leonardo de Moraes Gonçalves

Abstract

Until the yers 80 forest residues were only seen as an impediment to reform operations of eucalyptus plantations. This fact led to the burning and incorporation of these residues. They had also the concept that eucalyptus needed an intensive soil preparation to achieve good yields. Currently these concepts no longer exist, and all forest areas are established under minimum tillage system of soil, but pressures on the use of these wastes are emerging. With the restrictions on land purchases and increases in the prices of fossil fuels, these wastes are being seen as an alternative source of energy in industries. Despite being a renewable energy source, the benefits of maintaining these residues in the field can not be forgotten. This study shows that areas managed under minimum tillage system, have the same timber production that managed areas under intensive cultivation system. The main advantage of the maintenance of forest residues on the soil, resulting in productivity gains in the short term is the reduction in the export of nutrients. Therefore, when these residues are removed, greater investment should be made with fertilization. To consider these aspects was also made a financial removing these residues. When considering only the cost of nutritional replacement, in many cases it is feasible to remove these residues, but other benefits of maintaining forest residues should not be forgotten. The protection of soil against erosion, reduction of evaporation of water on the road surface, increasing the content and quality of soil organic matter, the maintenance benefits are residues which do not result in gains in productivity are short and valuation difficult, however are extremely important. It has been observed that removal of forest residues reduces by 50% the oxidizable organic carbon from the surface layer of the soil, and that 75% of the reduction occurs in the more labile. This study also sought to understand the dynamics and the factors that influence the decomposition of forest residues. It was observed that the omission of N and P in the formation of a stand of eucalyptus did not influence the rate of decomposition of the waste, which was kept on the ground only litter because it was not observed changes in the chemical characteristics of this. The absence of liming reduced the initial rate of decomposition of forest residues. The average rate of decomposition of forest residues was 0.8. There were no major changes in the availability of soil nutrients due to the decomposition of forest residues as soon as nutrients are available, these are quickly absorbed by the trees, not modifying soil fertility. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/12009-0 - FOREST RESIDUE MANAGEMENT AND METHODS OF SOIL PREPARATION IN CULTIVATION OF TWO ROTATION Eucalyptus grandis
• Grantee: José Henrique Tertulino Rocha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master