Performance of Wood Native Species to Southern Brazil in Successional Agroforestry Systems

Agroforestry systems (AFS) are viable alternatives for sustainable agricultural management, balancing economic, social, and environmental benefits. This study evaluated the performance of 26 native tree species from the Atlantic Forest biome planted in an AFS and identified the 10 most suitable for replication in southern Brazil. The experimental system was established in June 2015 at UTFPR Dois Vizinhos, covering 830 m². Measurements included total height, stem height, crown diameter, and diameter at breast height, from which morphometric and silvicultural indicators were calculated. After 72 months, the best-performing species were Citharexylum myrianthum (Tucaneiro), Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Timbaúva), Solanum mauritianum (Fumeiro-bravo), Luehea divaricata (Açoita-cavalo), Schinus terebinthifolius (Aroeira), Drimys brasiliensis (Casca-de-anta), Albizia niopoides (Farinha-seca), Astronium graveolens (Guaritá), Handroanthus impetiginosus (Ipê-roxo), and Cedrela fissilis (Cedro). These species formed an upper canopy layer averaging 8.9 m, with lower branches at 1.7 m in Handroanthus impetiginosus . Taller species showed elongated, elliptical canopies, while shorter ones had rounder crowns. The vertical stratification observed reflects successional processes, demonstrating how AFS can restore agroecosystems by enhancing nutrient cycling and soil fertility. The findings highlight the potential of native species-based AFS to promote ecological restoration and sustainable land use in southern Brazil.