Complete stem analysis is largely used in studies on the growth of commercial tree species that have distinguishable growth rings. Rings are manually measured, using a millimetric ruler and that is established as standard procedure. However, Rosot et al (2003) developed procedures for these measurements to be made by computer programs, improving significantly the application of this technique. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare manual measurements with digital ones on stem analysis of Mimosa scabrella and Pinus taeda. Six trees of each species were used and the differences between the two procedures for DBH (cm), total height (m), cross-sectional area (cm ²) and volume (cm ³) of each growth ring were compared by the t test (0.05) for paired data. The differences between digital and manual measurements were significant only for the volume of P. taeda in some ages. The results indicate that digital stem analysis is a good alternative to the conventional one, demanding skilled person to use the tools of GIS (Geographic Information System).
Growth ring; Bracatinga; Georeferencing
