Economic analysis and revenue optimization in management regimes of Pinus taeda

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to select, using operational research techniques, management regimes of Pinus taeda L. that maximize the revenue generated by the wood, considering different attractiveness rates. The OpTimber-LP® software, which performs the simulations using SisPinus® software, was used for forest optimization. The regimes consisted of different combinations of forest sites, planting densities, thinning regimes and clearcutting ages, totaling 17,760 regimes per site. Wood production was quantified and evaluated by assortment classes. Planting, thinning and harvesting costs were considered. The Annualized Net Present Value (ANPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of each management regime were calculated. As a result, the density of 1,600 plants per ha optimized ANPV for most cases. Optimized regimes included no or only one thinning and provided ANPV of 2,753 and 158 BRL per ha and IRR of 22.9% and 2.9% for sites I and IV, respectively. It was concluded that the optimal number of thinning is reduced in lower quality sites, and the less productive the site, the later the optimal year for clearcutting. The attractiveness rate is a parameter that contributes to the selection of thinning regimes, because the larger the rate, the larger the number of thinning and the earlier they should be carried out.