GROWTH, YIELD AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF AN EUCALYPT-SOYBEAN CONSORTIUM: EFFECT OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TREES WITHIN THE ROW1

ABSTRACT Agroforestry systems (AGF) design should benefit all components of the consortium. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the distance between plants within the row on growth and yield of trees and agricultural crop and on the economic viability of the consortium. The eucalypt was planted in 9.5 x 1.5 m, 9.5 x 2.0 m, 9.5 x 3.0 m and 9.5 x 40 m arrangements, in consortium with soybean. The tree diameter (dbh) and total height (Ht), and the leaf area index (LAI) were measured at 14, 38 and 51 months. Soybean yield was evaluated 24 months after planting eucalypt. An economic evaluation of the consortium was carried out for a planning horizon of seven years. The distance between trees within the row did not affect the tree height, however, larger distances promoted a higher dbh and individual volume. Higher values of basal area and yield were achieved in the 9.5 x 1.5 m arrangement. The LAI was smaller (1.43) in the 9.5 x 4.0 m arrangement, at 38 months, compared to the other arrangements (mean LAI = 1.66). Soybean had it's highest yield (2,317 kg ha-1) in the 9.5 x 4.0 m arrangement. In the economic evaluation, the wood produced in the two denser arrangements was destined for energy, with low market value, making these two arrangements unfeasible economically, although the tree component yield was the highest in the arrangement 9.5 x 1.5 m. The 9.5 x 4.0 m spatial arrangement was the most economically viable, considering the allocation of 40% of the wood for sawing, and the prices and costs assumed in this study. In this arrangement, the soybean yield was the highest, and the planting costs were the lowest when compared to the other arrangements. RESUMO Os sistemas agroflorestais (SAF) devem beneficiar todos os componentes do consórcio. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da distância entre plantas na linha de plantio sobre o crescimento e a produção do componente arbóreo e da cultura agrícola e, sobre a viabilidade econômica do consórcio. Para isso plantou-se clone de eucalipto nos arranjos de 9,5 x 1,5 m, 9,5 x 2,0 m, 9,5 x 3,0 m e 9,5 x 40 m, em consórcio com soja. O diâmetro (dap) e a altura total (Ht) da árvore e o índice de área foliar (IAF) foram medidos aos 14, 38 e 51 meses. A produção de soja foi avaliada aos 24 meses após o plantio do eucalipto. A avaliação econômica do consórcio foi realizada para um horizonte de planejamento de sete anos. A distância entre as plantas na linha de plantio não afetou a altura d