GROWTH MODELS FOR Araucaria angustifolia (BERTOL.) KUNTZE IN DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL GRADIENTS IN THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA

The growth of one or more individuals in a forest is variable with the biotic and abiotic conditions environment. Therefore, objective this article was to obtain age estimates Araucaria angustifolia, different altitude gradients occurrence species, identify culmination points basal area. study covered three areas Forest Santa Catarina state, considering altitudes species. Non-destructive samples were collected from 226 trees, 76, 73 77 trees 1, 2 3, respectively. Using time series, diametric models adjusted, allowing curves current annual increment average increment. In area range 174 years, 2, it 170 years 42 years. for 3 0.33 cm, 0.51 cm 1.01 manages reach high potential when better development (soil, nutrients, light…).Keywords: forest. Dendrochronology. Altitude.