The Climate Change Influence on Cedrela odorata L. Radial Growth in the Amazon

Abstract

Half of the Amazon Forest, which has a marked seasonality in rainfall, is susceptible to intense droughts caused by positive phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Cedrela odorata L., sensitive to climate variations, emerges as a promising candidate for studies on how trees respond to climate change. Given the demand for its wood and the imperative for its protection in the Amazon Biome, applying the principles of environmental sustainability becomes crucial. This study characterizes local climatic variables near the Amazon River and assesses their impact, as well as the effect of ENSO, on the radial growth of Cedrela odorata using Pearson correlation analyses. Ring synchronization followed the standard methodology in dendrochronology, confirming common growth patterns and the formation of growth rings in C. odorata. Significant correlations with growth were noted concerning local climate, with negative associations for maximum and average temperatures and evapotranspiration, and a positive correlation with relative air humidity. ENSO exhibited a significant negative correlation with growth rings, indicating reduced growth during El Niño events. The species is notably sensitive to water availability, particularly at the onset of the growth period. The study concludes that the growth of C. odorata in the Óbidos-PA microregion responds to climate change.