Growth and phytosociology of a forest with Colophospermum mopane in Mabalane, Gaza Province, Mozambique
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4336/2012.pfb.32.72.421Keywords:
Horizontal structure, Annual periodic, Increment in diameter, EcosystemsAbstract
This study aimed to characterize the composition and structure of mopane forest ecosystems, estimating growth rates and determining the diameter distribution. It was used data from permanent plots established in 2002 in Mabalane region, Gaza Province. It was analyzed the species composition . It was also determined the horizontal structure of the forest (abundance, dominance, frequency and importance value index) and the annual periodic increment in diameter. The results showed that 15 tree species belonging to eleven botanical families occur in this region. The forest is dominated by Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) J. Léonard (mopane), with an abundance of 258.80 trees per hectare, which represents 85.8% of all individuals. The periodic annual increment in diameter observed in the period from 2003 to 2010 was 1.19 mm year-1, withdiameter distribution as inverted J-curve. Mopane forest shows slow growth and low species diversity, so it is important to apply silvicultural interventions and to establish a management plan taking into consideration the species growth rate and horizontal and vertical structure of the forest.Downloads
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
The BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH reserves the right to correct grammar, improve clarity, and impose PFB standard although respecting the author's style.
Final proof version will be sent to the correspondence author.
Published papers will become property of the BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH.
Published papers may be used by the authors, without previous PFB authorization, allowed when source is cited.
Any mention of trademarks or methods do not imply in its recommended by the Editorial Committee.
The authors are the exclusive responsible for opinions and concepts developed in the manuscript.