Abstract

Precision Forestry: Geoprocessing use in Forest Sites Potential Classification
Track: Forestry and Wildlife Management
Authors: Joabel Barbieri

The objective of this study was to develop a potential forest productivity map for the convertion of a farm to a Eucalyptus plantation using geoprocessing techniques and soil samples (Chemical and physical) and relief characteristics collected from a sample grid. Site-specific forestry supported by advanced sensing and analytical tools is called precision forestry. The plantation was separated into three distinct multi factorial classes each with different potential productivity. Analysis was conducted using geostatistics under a geographic information system to generate soil attribute maps classifying each site according to a multi-factor methodology. The resulting map of potential productivity class enables differentiated management of each soil class, optimization of silviculture treatments and cost reductions. It is also serves as basis for long-term forest planning.