ESTRUTURA POPULACIONAL, PADRÃO ESPACIAL E ESTOQUE DE CARBONO EM BRACATINGAIS NO PLANALTO SUL CATARINENSE

The knowledge related to the behavior of natural populations is basic for development of suitable technologies to enable the management and conservation of a species. This study aimed to investigate the population structure and spatial distribution, as well as estimate the biomass, carbon content and the amount of CO 2 removed from the atmosphere by the equivalent biomass populations of Mimosa scabrella Benth. inserted in the secondary forest of different ages. Three sample units were allocated, with dimensions of 40x40 m, totaling 1.92 ha sampling area, which was calculated on the density values of individuals in regenerating categories (DBH < 5 cm) and adults (DBH ≥ 5 cm). The spatial distribution pattern was calculated by Morisita index for the different populations and the equivalent amount of CO 2 the estimated total carbon. The structure and spatial distribution pattern of M. scabrella are compatible to the results recorded in other pioneer species. The populations of M. scabrella demonstrate potential to provide environmental services, especially in relation to carbon capture and storage.