Morphometric analysis of tree species from the central region of Imperatriz-MA municipality

Abstract

Urban forestry is essential in urban environments and if poorly planned, ends up affecting its efficiency and the society quality of life, generating conflicts with urban infrastructure. Morphometry allows the growth dynamics of the tree component to be known, predicting the space needed for its development and stability, silvicultural actions and appropriate management in urban environments. In this sense, the objective was to analyze the most common tree species in the central region of the Imperatriz-MA municipality, in terms of their composition and morphometric parameters. Thus, through a census in 228 blocks, all individuals had their dendrometric parameters measured and 2,321 trees, distributed in 69 species and 26 families were counted. Of the total number of individuals, 66% were exotic species and 34% native, with M. tomentosa being the most representative. As for the morphometric parameters, the average total height of the most representative species was 6.2 m, the height of the first bifurcation was 1.2 m, the crown height was 2.1 m, and the average DBH was 0.25 m. The average diameter and the average crown area obtained were 5.37 m and 26.83 m², respectively. As a result, it can be concluded that the Imperatriz forestry can be considered young with recent plantings and also with inadequately managed plants in the adult stage. Azadirachta indica should be progressively replaced by regional native species, with the young tree component managed to provide maximum canopy area and tall forked trunks that occupy less space on the pavement, regardless of their size.