DYNAMICS OF Eschweilera amazonica R. Knuth (MATAMATA-CI) IN A TERRA FIRME FOREST AREA IN THE EASTERN AMAZON
Natural forest dynamics, tree mortality and recruitment, tree growth rate, Amazon forest.
Knowing the dynamics and structure of a forest population are fundamental factors to determine the minimum felling diameter of its trees and the timber cutting cycle, in addition to contributing to the current Brazilian Silvicultural System for terra firme forests in the Amazon. The population dynamics of Eschweilera amazonica R. Knuth was evaluated in an experimental area in the Tapajós National Forest, where a Reduced Impact Logging and silvicultural treatments were carried out, in order to answer the questions: (a) Logging and the application of silvicultural treatments alter the growth dynamics and population structure of E. amazonica? and (b) does the population of E. amazonica have characteristics that allow its inclusion in a polycyclic silvicultural system? Data were collected in 60 permanent plots of 0.25 ha comprising logged forest and unlogged forest, over a 31-year period. The structure, mortality, recruitment and growth of individuals with DBH ≥ 5.0 cm were evaluated.