Building research capacity for intensively managed forest plantations

Abstract

The opportunity offered by the SPRINT Exchange Program (Edition 2/2014) will facilitate and boost the work carried out by both research groups, adding high value to scientific research and thereby enriching the work to be published. The proposal of integration between the Brazilian and South Africa will promote discussion forums regarding "Fertilization and Forest Nutrition in Brazil and in the World; discussion related to the ecophysiology of plants, with focus on hydric relationships in soil-plant system; soil microbial activity under conditions of forest residues management, discussions related to studies on ecological intensification of eucalypt plantations by association with leguminous nitrogen-fixing trees; use of methods and advanced equipment to determine and classify soil organic matter, especially in relation to forest management and silviculturel practices; use of alternative sources for potassium fertilization; maintenance, partial or complete withdrawal of forest residues from cultivation sites, after the harvest of timber. The participation of Dr. Ben du Toit is very timely for the researchers involved, because his comments and directions will add quality, enriching the running works or those under the installation phase. In addition, the participation of South African researchers in the studies developed in Brazil will also contribute to the scientific development of the postgraduate program of Forest Resources at the University of São Paulo. To enhance the impact of the Exchange Program there will be scientific events, seminars in their graduate programs, concentrated courses, field days and visits to other institutions carrying out research in related areas. (AU)