Spatio-temporal modeling of Eucalyptus and Pinus intercropping systems: effects of weed control and row distance

The global rise in afforestation highlights the need for improved forestry practices, underscoring the demand for enhanced management strategies and research. Integrated intercropping systems offer sustainable solutions, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. This research explores the long-term effects of weed control and row spacing on Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus taeda , intercropped with switchgrass, within a Uruguayan setting. Using spatiotemporal mixed models, we aimed to improve experimental accuracy and understand the dynamics between stand growth and agroforestry management. The study evaluated different spatiotemporal modeling strategies, revealing significant impacts of spacing and weed control on both wood volume per hectare and individual volume. Optimal results were achieved with a 7-meter row spacing for both species at the hectare level, while a 12-meter spacing was more favorable for individual tree sizes. Effective weed control was associated with medium and low levels, affecting per tree and hectare wood volume. Significant differences in switchgrass productivity were found between high and low weed control in Pinus . The use of spatiotemporal structures resulted in a better fit for the models in all cases, and it is noteworthy to consider the heterogeneous variances over the years. This study underscores the value of spatiotemporal analysis in agroforestry experimentation, integrating heterogeneous structures into temporal structures. Future economic evaluations are recommended for a holistic understanding of these systems. Our findings significantly enhance the productivity and sustainability of agroforestry systems, especially in regions with similar environmental conditions.