DYNAMICS OF ARBOREAL STRATE IN THREE SUCCESSIONAL STAGES OF A FRAGMENT OF THE ATLANTIC RAIN FOREST IN BLUMENAU, SC

Abstract

This study was accomplished in Nascentes do Garcia Natural Park, Blumenau city, Santa Catarina State, in order to evaluate the dynamics of the Submontain Atlantic Rain Forest, in the initial secondary forest, intermediate secondary and advanced forest stages. In 2001, 20 permanent sample plots of 10 x 20 m were installed, in each  sucessional stage.  In 2003, a new measurement was done in the sample plots, when the changes in this mortality and ingrowth of all individuals with circumference ≥ 15 cm were measured.  The mortality, the ingrowth, and the relation ingrowth/mortality are bigger in the initial stages and decrease gradually with the vegetation development. The pioneer species showed, in general, higher mortality taxes if compared to the ingrowth. The climax species light-demanding showed best equilibrium between ingrowth and mortality.  The climax species shadow tolerant showed a progressive dynamic from the initial stage to the advanced stage.  The ingrow, in the initial stage, was expressive in the pioneers and in the climax light demanding species. In the intermediate stage and in the advanced stage, the climax shade tolerant species and the clímax light demanding species presented higher ingrow.