Introducing a new variety of interspecific Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis) for renewable biomass energy

Abstract

An interspecific Acacia hybrid between Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis has various phenotypic characteristics. The hybrid progenies usually show better growth which is important to support wood-based industry. However, information on other potential uses of the species for renewable biomass energy was still limited. This study aims to observe the potency of Acacia hybrid as raw material for renewable bioenergy. The study was done in three permanent plots in clonal trial of Acacia hybrid established in Central Java following the method of SNI 7724-2011. The tree morphologies were characterized including stem form, branching, and crown-shape characteristic. Wood biomass and energy potential of the species was observed and derived from the growth and wood basic density. The result showed that there was various tree morphology in terms of leaf and stem form within the Acacia hybrid trees. At six years of age, the average of wood biomass was 37.85 Mg.ha−1 derived from the average of 13.9 m (height), 16.5 cm (DBH), and 567 kg.m−3 (wood basic density). While the estimated energy potential ranged from 14.50 to 21.99 toe.ha−1. The results of the study indicate that wood from the Acacia hybrid would be the potential resources for renewable biomass energy.