WOOD POTENTIAL OF 33-YEAR-OLD Corymbia citriodora FOR PULP AND PAPER IN THREE SOIL TYPES

Abstract

The pulp and paper industry is important to the Brazilian economy. In the present study, we investigated Corymbia citriodora wood in three soil types: Quartzarenic Neossol, Red Latosol and Red Nitosol. We aimed to determine how differences in physical, chemical and water-holding capacity among these three types of soils can cause changes in wood density and anatomical ratios in C. citriodora wood, important parameters in the production of pulp and paper. We used standard techniques in the methodology. Soil types did infuence wood quality and could be used as a factor in considering the fnal quality of the product. Corymbia citriodora wood have not previously been considered for use in paper/pulp production. However, if we consider wood density as a key factor, wood from Red Nitosol - NV trees can be used since lower basic densities were identifed and are most appropriate for the production of printing and writing paper, owing to fber features. Otherwise, woods from Quartzarenic Neossol - RQ and Red Latosol - LV trees are more suitable for absorbent paper (tissue). We found that more clayey soil promotes lower basic density, and NV soil was found to be the most clayey of the studied soils. Based on nutritional information from soil, it appears that wood from LV soil trees would be the most suitable for present fewer problems in production. However, to be sure of this tentative conclusion, the contents of these nutrients would have to be analyzed in wood ash.