Forest management and regeneration of tree species in the Eastern Amazon

Forest management for timber production applied in the Brazilian Amazon follows a polycyclic silvicultural system where harvesting is done through reduced-impact logging (RIL).  In this study the short- and medium-term effects of RIL on the regeneration of commercial tree species were assessed in the Tapajós National Forest, Eastern Amazon, Brazil.  Besides, post-harvesting silvicultural techniques such as enrichment planting using commercial tree species and tending naturally established individuals in gaps created by RIL were tested in Jari Valley, Eastern Amazon, Brazil in order to improve forest management for ensuring sustainable timber production.  Finally the profitability of the tested post-harvesting silvicultural treatments was evaluated.  Results showed that RIL did not have a destructive effect on the regeneration of the investigated species.  In the short-term RIL caused unevenly spatially distributed disturbances over the forest, which tended to increase recruitment and growth rates of seedlings and saplings in the medium-term.  The silvicultural techniques proved to be efficient to decrease mortality and increase growth rates of commercial tree species but are not profitable under the current timber prices and harvesting operation costs in the Brazilian Amazon.  Although not profitable, enrichment planting in logging gaps showed to be an important tool for conserving rare species.