Planted forests of Tachigali vulgaris in Eastern Amazonia: how spacing affects the anatomical variations and wood density

Author(s)

Ceretta, Rafaela Patricia da Silva ; Marques, Jonathan Dias ; Lima, Michael Douglas Roque ; de Assis-Pereira, Gabriel ; da Silva, Marcela Gomes ; Goncalves, Delman de Almeida ; Bufalino, Lina ; Tomazello-Filho, Mario ; Protasio, Thiago de Paula

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NEW FORESTS; v. 56, n. 2, p. 25-pg., 2025-03-01.

Abstract

The demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources has been driving research into the potential of forest biomass. In this context, this study evaluated the impact of planting spacing on the anatomy and basic density of Tachigali vulgaris wood, a native species of Eastern Amazonia with potential for bioenergy. The research was conducted in Almeirim, Par & aacute;, and included six different planting spacings (4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, 10.5, and 12m2). The analyzed properties were vessel grouping, vessel frequency, tangential diameter of vessel lumens, vessel element length, height and frequency of rays, fiber length and diameter, lumen diameter, and basic density. An average wood basic density of 0.615 g cm- 3 was found, with no significant influence from planting spacing. However, significant differences were observed among spacings for fiber length (highest at 6.0 m2 - 1393.73 mu m) and vessel frequency (highest at 6 m2 - 5.42 n.mm- 2). T. vulgaris exhibits suitable anatomical and basic density characteristics for bioenergy purposes, especially for thermochemical conversion. The 9.0 m2 planting spacing achieved the highest average wood basic density and optimized fiber length and vessel frequency, both relevant for producing high-quality charcoal. Characterizing T. vulgaris wood across different planting spacings offers valuable insights for sustainable species management and its utilization in bioenergy production, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07499-4 - Silvicultural strategies for the management and conservation of secondary tropical forests: subsidies for the recovery of altered areas in Amazonas
• Grantee: Mario Tommasiello Filho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants