Characterization of caatinga vegetation in NE Brazil for power generation.

AbstractThe sustainable management of the savanna is fundamental to the preservation of this ecosystem and maintenance of rural populations. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the vegetation of an area of savanna located in southern Piauí, aiming its use for power generation. Thirty-two plots of 20 m x 20 m were deployed. Forest inventory of plots were performed for the quantification of biomass (branchless trunks) and characterization of vegetation. Seventy species, divided into nineteen families were identified. The amount of biomass produced in the area averaged 164 t/ha or 153 m3/h. The vegetation still had an average height of 5.6 m, with 4205 trees / ha. The forest has a high population density, with a predominance of individuals with small diameter (52% of the population between 2-5 cm in diameter). The largest amount of biomass is concentrated in the upper 10 cm diameter classes (84% of wet biomass). The high diametric diversity requires special treatment of biomass for power generation. In general, the amount of biomass generated in the study area is high, with great potential for power generation.O manejo sustentável da caatinga é fundamental para a preservação desse ecossistema e manutenção das populações rurais. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a vegetação de uma área de caatinga localizada no sul do Piauí, visando a sua utilização para a geração de energia. Em 32 parcelas de 20 x 20 m, foram realizados o inventário florestal, para a quantificação da biomassa (troncos sem galhos) e a caracterização da vegetação, sendo identificadas 70 espécies, distribuídas em 19 famílias. A quantidade de biomassa produzida na área foi em média de 164 t/ha ou 153 m3/ha. A vegetação apresentou ainda altura média de 5,6 m, com 4205 indivíduos/ha. A floresta tem densidade populacional alta, com predominância de indivíduos com diâmetro pequeno (52% da população entre 2 a 5 cm de diâmetro). A maior quantidade de biomassa está concentrada nas classes diamétricas superiores a 10 cm (84% do total de biomassa úmida). A alta diversidade diamétrica requer tratamento especial da biomassa para geração de energia. De forma geral, a quantidade de biomassa gerada na área de estudo é alta e com grande potencial para a geração de energia.AbstractCharacterization of caatinga vegetation in NE Brazil for power generation. The sustainable management of the savanna is fundamental to the preservation of this ecosystem and maintenance of rural populations. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the vegetation of an area of savanna located in southern Piauí, aiming its use for power generation. Thirty-two plots of 20 m x 20 m were deployed. Forest inventory of plots were performed for the quantification of biomass (branchless trunks) and characterization of vegetation. Seventy species, divided into nineteen families were identified. The amount of biomass produced in the area averaged 164 t/ha or 153 m3/h. The vegetation still had an average height of 5.6 m, with 4205 trees / ha. The forest has a high population density, with a predominance of individuals with small diameter (52% of the population between 2-5 cm in diameter). The largest amount of biomass is concentrated in the upper 10 cm diameter classes (84% of wet biomass). The high diametric diversity requires special treatment of biomass for power generation. In general, the amount of biomass generated in the study area is high, with great potential for power generation.Keyword: Biomass; firewood; floristic survey; inventory