Wood quality of five species of the Cerrado for energy purposes

Abstract

The knowledge about the native species of the Cerrado is important for the sustainable socio-economic development of the biome by subsidizing the elaboration of policies to promote forest management. However, studies on wood energy characteristics of Cerrado native species are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the wood characteristics from the species Annona coriacea, Buchenavia tomentosa, Byrsonima crassifolia, Byrsonima umbellata and Cordia glabrata in order to determine their potential for energy use. Ten trees of each species were selected from a fragment of the Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Wood discs were cut to determine the high heating value, proximate analysis, total extractives, insoluble lignin and holocellulose contents, as well as the wood and energetic density, fuel value index and thermal decomposition profile by thermogravimetry in nitrogen atmosphere. The wood of B. tomentosa had the best characteristics, with lower ash (0.26%) and higher fixed carbon content (16.21%), high heating value (19.50 MJ kg-1), basic density (581.28 kg m-3), energy density (11.33 GJ m-3) and fuel value index (4358.74). Therefore, it is indicated for selection in forest management programs of the Cerrado biome for energy applications.