PROFITABILITY OF SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS IN LOGGING GAPS IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Abstract

Many harvested timber species of tropical forests have not been regenerating sufficiently and have thus made post-harvesting silvicultural treatments necessary. This study analysed the profitability of sawnwood produced through four treatments in seedlings and saplings naturally present or planted in logging gaps. The treatments were (1) standard procedures of reduced-impact logging or control, (2) tending of the naturally established regeneration, (3) enrichment planting 1 (EP-1) and (4) enrichment planting 2 (EP-2). In EP-1 seedlings were planted in 2-year-old gaps keeping logging residuals inside the gap while in EP-2 seedlings were planted in 1-year-old gaps with residuals removed. Species of EP-2 had higher financial  value and growth rates than species in EP-1. Growth rates of treated individuals were projected in 30 and 60 years to simulate sawnwood production. With increases of 25 and 50% in growth rates, 500% in timber prices, and interest rates of 4 and 6% year^-1, tending and enrichment planting could profit at year 60. These silvicultural treatments, with technological improvements, can become even more financially profitable for forest managers and investors.