Early assessment of density features for 19 Eucalyptus species using X-ray microdensitometry in a perspective of potential biomass production

Abstract

Eucalyptus plantations have been considered for bioenergy production and hence their biological characteristics that make them amenable to intensive short-rotation forestry. Wood density is an important parameter that directly affects fuel production. This study focuses on the early assessment of density features for 19 Eucalyptus species using X-ray microdensitometry in a perspective of potential biomass production. Average ring density, earlywood density, latewood density, latewood percentage and the heterogeneity index were studied. E. polyanthemos registered the highest mean wood density value (0.84 g cm−3), and E. viminalis showed the lowest value (0.53 g cm−3). An indicator for the potential wood biomass (PWB) was calculated, with E. maculata displaying the highest biomass production index (13.4 kg). Comparison of radial growth of these species showed appreciable differences. The PWB indicator points to the prospective good aptitude for short-rotation cycle for biomass production of E. maculata, E. botryoides, E. globulus, E. nitens and E. sideroxylon.