MODELAGEM DO VOLUME DE MADEIRA E ESTOQUE DE CARBONO EM PLANTAÇÕES DE SERINGUEIRA

Abstract

The rubber tree is a native species of Brazil mainly used for latex production. In addition, there is potential for timber exploitation and carbon credits from its cultivation. However, the lack of growth and production modeling studies for these stocks hinders forest exploitation planning. This study aimed to model future stocks of wood volume (V2) and carbon (C2) in rubber tree plantations. The data came from two rubber tree plantations cultivated in the municipality of Paraíso das Águas/MS (coordinates 19°03'08"S and 52°58'06"N), where 14 permanent plots were established, measured on 6 occasions, with ages ranging from 4.3 to 9.3 years. In each occasion, field data were collected, including stem circumference at 1.3 m above ground level, total height, dominant height, as well as estimates of wood volume and carbon for each tree based on literature data. The database was divided into calibration and validation. Growth and production modeling of V2 and C2 were performed using the Clutter model. The accuracy of the estimates was evaluated by the correlation between observed and estimated stocks, root mean square error, and graphical analysis of errors. The obtained equation systems were used to project V2 and C2 stocks up to the age of 30 in areas with different productivity capacities. The Clutter model proved to be suitable for obtaining precise and consistent estimates of V2 and C2. The projected stocks for the age of 30 range from 113.3 to 197.4 m³ ha-1 for V2 and from 40.6 to 77.2 ton ha-1 for C2. Thus, the Clutter model represents an important tool for planning the exploitation of wood volume and carbon stocks in rubber tree plantations.