Bioenergy yield of Eucalyptus urophylla clones and its relationship with the mean annual increment of wood volume

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the energy yield and wood characteristics of Eucalyptus urophylla S.T.Blake clones with different mean annual increment (MAI) of wood volume. The clones presented MAIs of 39.2, 54.1, and 70.0 m3·ha−1·year−1 in the field experiment at 6 years after planting when the trees were cut down to evaluate the wood basic density and higher heating values. The energy density, dry mass, and energy yield were estimated. The MAI of E. urophylla clones influenced the wood basic density, dry mass, and energy yield, but did not influence the higher heating value and energy density. Clone 3 had the highest MAI as well as higher energy yield and dry mass, but lower wood basic density. The difference between the most and the least productive clones was 242 648 MJ·ha−1·year−1. The results reinforce the importance of evaluating the wood quantity production (MAI) when selecting E. urophylla clones for energy purposes.