Fuelwood energy characteristics and biomass equations of the dominant species of northern Patagonia shrublands (Argentina)

MATÍAS GUILLERMO GOLDENBERG; YAMILA CARDOSO; FACUNDO JOSÉ ODDI; LUCAS ALEJANDRO GARIBALDI

SOUTHERN FORESTS

NATL INQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE PTY LTD

Lugar: Johannesburg ; Año: 2019

2070-2620

Although shrublands can be highly abundant, their bioenergy potential has been barely addressed. 13 This is the case in northern Patagonia shrublands, where there is a lack of knowledge regarding biomass quantity and quality. The objective of this study was to develop biomass equations for young shoots (resprouts) of five of the main woody species growing in northern Patagonia shrublands; quantify energy properties of their woods and, ultimately, estimate biomass and bioenergy stocks in resprouts for three contrasting shrublands. Resprouts were harvested in the field and size (diameter and height) and dry weight were measured in the laboratory. Fuelwood energy parameters (moisture, density, calorific value, ash content) were determined to obtain energy density and fuelwood value index. We found biomass equations with good statistical fitness for all the studied species. Energy parameters of the analyzed woods were comparable or even better (energy density) than those observed in other woody species commonly used as fuels. Embothrium coccineum showed the best fuelwood value index due to low ash content (0.2%). Shrublands under 50% of harvesting intensity produced 0.08 t ha-1 and 1.33 GJ ha-1 in a low productivity site, 0.34 t ha-1 and 5.66 GJ ha-1 in a medium productivity site and 1.07 t ha-1 and 17.96 GJ ha-1 in a high productivity site from resprouts after approximately four years. This study suggests that some northern Patagonia shrublands have good potential to produce high quality biomass, therefore, sustainable management plans oriented to bioenergy should be developed in the region.