Analysis of the forest structure and the biomass of harvesting areas of jucara fruits (euterpe edulis mart.) in the northern coast and in Serra do Mar, SP State – Brazil

Abstract

The patterns of distribution and storage of carbon in managed areas of Atlantic Forest are still poorly understood. In order to understand the role of these areas in carbon sequestration, it was aimed to characterize the forest structure and estimate the aboveground biomass in harvest areas of jucara fruit (Euterpe edulis Mart.). The study was carried out in altered areas where the management of jucara fruits was introduced at 'Serra do Mar' State Park-SP state, Brazil and its surroundings, including the phytophysiognomies Montane and Submontane Atlantic Forest. To represent all the different situations in which management is practiced, eight areas were selected and each one was allocated in a plot of 10 x 100 m divided into subplots of 10 x 10 m, in which all individuals trees were inventoried (trees, jucaras, banana trees and ferns) with DBH (diameter at breast height)> 4.8 cm. The study areas were characterized as Secondary Forests and as Systems of Banana and Jucara Consortium. The biomass found in the studied plots ranged from 47.9 to 279.9 Mg ha(-1). Secondary Forests had higher biomass than Systems of Banana and Jucara Consortium, the trees being responsible for most of this biomass. The management of the fruits of the palm jucara for pulping food represents a sustainable alternative to the illegal extraction of palm heart in the region, diversifying the existing banana cultivations, adding value to forests and increasing carbon storage in areas of Atlantic forest with agroforestry.