A case study of smallholder eucalyptus plantation silviculture in Eastern Paraguay

Smallholder eucalyptus (Eucalyptus species) plantation forestry is common among rural farmers in Eastern Paraguay. Yet there has been no systematic study of the silvicultural practices utilized by smallholder plantation owners in the region. In response, I conducted a case study of semi-structured interviews with 45 eucalyptus-owning smallholders. My study characterizes the households that have adopted eucalyptus forestry and the management of these plantations. Silvicultural practices varied among households and, for some parameters, among regions. Improved extension efforts could enable eucalyptus plantation owners in the study population to improve production both for commercial sale and domestic use.