Reduced planting spacing increase radiation use efficiency and biomass for energy in black wattle plantations: Towards sustainable production systems

Author(s)

Schwerz, Felipe ^[1] ; Eloy, Elder ^[2] ; Elli, Elvis Felipe ^[3] ; Caron, Braulio Otomar ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo ESALQ USP, Dept Plant Sci, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Santa Maria, Dept Forestry Engn, Fedrerico Westphalen Campus, BR-98400000 Frederico Westphalen, RS - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo ESALQ USP, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr, Dept Biosyst Engn, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Santa Maria, Dept Agron & Environm Sci, Frederico Westphalen Campus, BR-98400000 Frederico Westphalen, RS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BIOMASS & BIOENERGY; v. 120, p. 229-239, JAN 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

There is great interest in how plants interactions in different spacings change along spatial gradients in resource availability, biomass and energy production. In this study, we hypothesized that a positive impact of Acacia mearnsii when grown in reduced spacing, leads to a higher biomass and energy yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate how these spacings and their corresponding effects might influence the radiation use efficiency in biomass and potential energy yield in a short-rotation cycle of black waffle (Acacia mearnsii) in southern Brazil. A field experiment was conducted from September 2008 to September 2015 in the city of Frederico Westphalen, Brazil. The forest biomass was determined by destructive method. Also, the calorific value, radiation use efficiency, light extinction coefficient, solar radiation interception, leaf area index, biomass partitioning, carbon storage and potential energy yield were evaluated. Information generated in this study is relevant and provides information for companies interested in electricity generation from wattle biomass and forest producers thereby assisting in the planning of optimal spacing to be used for biomass production for energy. The highest biomass production and radiation use efficiency were obtained in the reduced tree spacing (2.0 x 1.0 m) which results in a higher amount of biomass for energy production. Therefore, the use of reduced tree spacing should be prioritized and recommended for future exploitation of forest energy plantations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/06023-6 - Energetic forest modeling: management strategies to mitigate the impact of variability and climate change on forest growth and productivity
• Grantee: Felipe Schwerz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate