INITIAL GROWTH OF Tectona Grandis L.f., IN DIFFERENT SPACINGS IN PARACATU, MG, BRAZIL

Abstract

This work evaluated the initial growth of Tectona grandis L.f (Teca) at different spacings in the northwestern region of the Minas Gerais State – Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was used. The treatments consisted of five different planting spacings (3 x 2 m; 6 x 2 m; 6 x 4 m and 12 x 2,5 m) with five repetitions each. The permanent experimental consisted of an approximate area of 300 m². The survival rate, plant height, diameter at breast height, volume/plant, volume/ha, basal area/plant and basal area/ha, were determined 24 and 36 months after planting, the current increment between the two evaluation periods was determined for all the characteristics previously cited. The analysis of the results allows concluding that teca presents potential for plantation in the region. Teca presented the higher growth rate at the 3 x 2 m spacing, where no intra-specific competitive effects were observed. The main factors that limited initial growth were the long period of rain insufficiency associated to a high soil compacting level.