Eduardo Stehling – biologist and researcher at Bela Vista Forestry

The lack of quality information and knowledge on forest species has always been a problem. In planting added-value forest species, better known as noble species, it is common to see beginner foresters selecting the species based on profitability only. This usually causes great losses or total investment loss, basically due to the lack of adapting the crop to the place. The correct choice should begin by selecting the species based on the farmer’s land adequacy.

Many cultures are vilified before they show their potential, doomed to discredit from future investors and the scientific world. This is strongly influenced by the farmer’s profile (entrepreneurs and beginners) and the fanciful information on productivity and profitability widely publicized to attract investors.

Despite the indifference of many researchers, there are companies investing in basic research on noble crops, generating key information and supporting farmers. Australian cedar is the best example. Since profitability guides investors, to measure the productivity of Australian cedar forests is strategic for developing a serious market.

In order to better estimate timber production, studies were carried out on the volumes of Australian cedar forests. Bela Vista Forestry’s initiative, in partnership with researchers from the Federal University of Lavras – UFLA, enabled the development of mathematical models with parameters for the Australian cedar in the city of Campo Belo. From these models it was possible to obtain information on tree height, total volume, volume of parts or logs in the stem, wood assortment, diameter at a given tree height, lumber volume estimates, determine the profile of trees, and other possible applications. These results from course conclusion studies of forest engineers Gustavo Salgado Martins and Bruna Dias Rodrigues, were very important to take the Australian cedar productivity and profitability out of speculation. Before, profitability was based on the expected volume and “guessed” market price, which is still happening to other forest species.

It is currently possible to run quality estimates of cedar forests productivity, providing more real profitability horizons. The main practical outcome was that productivity and profitability came out of huge fictitious profits of the past decade, down to more appropriate values, more compatible with the reality of the current forest market, while presenting excellent profitability. This shows the maturity of the crop within the forestry industry, reflecting the intense research carried out with the species and its development in the market. Other crops should follow such trend.

Currently, there is great interest in products made from Australian cedar wood (battens, laminates and paneling), and this fact is based on sales already realized. The wood is already available in the market and has even greater potential, being well valued when compared with eucalyptus or other wood types.

Taking into account the existence of superior genetic materials (clones), market values ​​already practiced, technical knowledge and reliable productivity, it is easy to see that the Australian cedar is an excellent choice among current forest species, provided, of course, that the areas planted be appropriate for the species.