Effects of reduced impact logging on population dynamics of <i>Pseudopiptadenia suaveolens</i> in Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Abstract

Knowing the dynamics of the species natural populations is a strategy to improve its timber production and conservation, mainly through the effects caused by the reduced impact logging (RIL). Thus, the question is: what is the effect of RIL on the dynamics of Pseudopiptadenia suaveolens over time? The effect of RIL on the dynamics of P. suaveolens was evaluated based on survival, growth, recruitment, basal area and density of individuals ? 45 cm from Diameter to Breast Height (DBH at 1.30 m from the ground) in a thirteen-year chronosequence. Five Annual Production Units (APU) were inventoried, where four were harvested in different years (2002; 2004; 2008 and 2010) and one not harvested. The highest mortality rate occurred at five (6.6% year^-1) and seven (5.2% year^-1) years after RIL. At eleven (2.4% year^-1) and thirteen (1.0 % year^-1) years, mortality rates did not differ significantly between themselves and in relation to the control area (not harvested). The recruitment rate was significantly higher seven years after logging (7.7% year^-1) when compared to the other years. In logged areas, trees with DBH ? 75 cm account for the majority of deaths, although there was no significant difference between diameter classes, which were minimally influenced by RIL. Mortality and growth rates of P. suaveolens by diametric class did not show significant difference, however, they were minimally influenced by the RIL.