ABSTRACT

The survival and the height growth rates of individuals from the natural regeneration of Astronium gracile Engl. were evaluated in different gap sizes after logging in the municipality of Paragominas, Pará state. Seedlings of Astronium gracile were randomly chosen in the gaps. The measurements were performed in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. The canopy gaps were classified as small gaps (200-400 m²), medium gaps (401-600 m²) and large gaps (> 600 m²). The seedlings from natural regeneration of Astronium gracile, considered as a shade-tolerant species, were favored by the open gaps, mainly large gaps, for growing up and surviving, showing potential for using in silvicultural systems to increase the commercial value of the forest and to allow future harvests.

Keywords:
terra firme forest; silvicultural treatments; natural forest management