Carbon Accumulation in Pinus taeda Estimated by X-rays Densitometry and Trunk Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate Pinus aeda growth and based on X-ray methods of  densitometry and bole analyses to develop mathematical models to estimate carbon amount accumulated on trees of different ages varying on DBH. Five P. taeda plantations were selected on sites of different soils, thinning intensity and growing rate. On each site dominant trees were selected and discs cuts from different heights were collected and submitted to X-ray densitometry for trunk analyses. Mathematical models were developed, to generated equations to compare by testing their statistical identity and equality and to validate by bootstrap methods. The results showed that P. taeda productivity was influenced by soil and silvicultural practices; X-ray densitometry and trunk analyses enhanced the development of mathematical models that estimated with high precision the carbon accumulation on P. taeda boles; site classes as well as trees of different DBH generated different mathematical models to estimate carbon accumulation.