INFLUENCE OF SPACING BETWEEN TREES ON WOOD AND CHARCOAL QUALITY INDICATORS
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Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality indicators for wood and charcoal
from the Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid (Clone GG 100) in different planting
spacings. The study was conducted with the hybrid using the spacings of 2×1, 2×2, 3×2, and 3×3 m.
The chemical properties of wood and charcoal were analyzed, and dry wood mass and energy per
hectare were estimated. The data were subjected to the t test for comparison of means. Moreover,
principal component analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between wood and charcoal
indicators as a function of spacing.
Results: The 2×2 m spacing showed the highest values for dry wood mass, lignin mass, mass of
charcoal, and energy. The wider spacings of 3×2 and 3×3 m resulted in wood and charcoal of
increased quality by showing wood of greater resistance to thermal degradation and charcoal of
higher yield.
Conclusion: Spacing between trees influenced wood quality indicators. The 2×2 m spacing showed
higher estimates of mass and energy per hectare. However, wide spacings with an area greater than
6 m2 are more suitable for charcoal production due to their superior wood properties, especially
basic density and total lignin, which influence gravimetric yields and bulk density.
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