Research and Development
BARCA believes in the continuous improvement of its projects in order to supply the needs of society in terms of wood products and the enhancement of the forest environment. Our team recognizes the importance of the information gathered over the years from soil samples, research trials, and sample tree plots, in order to better understand their development dynamics.
Our R&D programs aim to evaluate and improve the forestry operations that the company carries out, using appropriate work study methods. We share this knowledge through participation in workshops, publications and seminars and by maintaining close relations with academic institutions.
Our research programs also include the study of soil-tree-climate-growth relations of forest species and the genetic propagation of rare native species (selection of “plus trees”).
Reforestation with Teak and Mixed Species
Our reforestation focuses mainly on hardwood species that are well-known in the international market, such us teak, but also includes other valuable native species, including Hyeronima alchorneoides, Astronium graveolens, Terminalia amazonia, Platymiscium pinnatum.
All of the establishment and management strategies are conducted according to the species´ needs and dynamics in order to reach the goals of the project. The mixed species approach to plantations for which BARCA has become known, promotes biodiversity and the preservation of associated species´ habitats.
Forest and Soils Restoration
The restoration of degraded soils or deforested areas is one of our main interests. BARCA is able to restore intervened forests and riparian ecosystems, reversing damage caused by logging and/or other human activities.
The plantations are designed to avoid the alteration in forest ecosystems and to prevent soil erosion or water runoffs. Our soil conservation techniques include the design of successful drainage systems and maintaining vegetative coverage in the soil, as an efficient method to prevent erosion.
Agroforestry
At this time, BARCA is conducting agroforestry trials in order to determine the best crop/tree species mix in order to increase the economic value of potential and future projects. This approach involves undertaking a more efficient use of land through a combination of tree species with agricultural crops; both growing simultaneously. By allowing a greater diversity of species within the same space, income is generated during the first years of the project, unlike in typical plantations where there are no returns for several years. In addition, local communities are provided with a steady flow of employment opportunities throughout the rotation of the forest plantation.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
BARCA uses modern GIS techniques merging them with their forestry knowledge to conduct Satellite Image Analysis, aerial photo analysis, mapping, farms geo-referencing and location, as well as the calculation of specific areas: net plantable regions, buffer zones, vegetation types, etc.
