Potential for short-rotation intensive-culture hardwood production in Hawaii

Abstract

Growth data for three promising tropical hardwoods, Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna and Leucaena leucocephala, from field trials in Hawaii were analyzed to determine relationships between yield and soil, climatic, and management variables. Species- and site-specific regression models were developed that feature growth age, planting density, nitrogen fertilizer application, temperature, rainfall and solar radiation, soil nitrogen content and pH value, and elevation as independent variables. Each of these models was then incorporated into a system model for estimating short-rotation intensive-culture (SRIC) woody biomass production costs, including establishment, maintenance, harvesting, transport and storage costs. By coupling the system model results with a geographical information system, yield (dry Mg) and delivered cost of biomass (US$ dry Mg −1) were estimated for each species at all locations identified as potentially available for tree plantations on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii.