EFFECT OF PLANTING AGE AND SPACING ON ENERGY PROPERTIES OF Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill EX Maiden

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effect of planting age and spacing on energy properties of different compartments of the biomass of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden, disseminated in different spacings: 2.0 x 1.0 m, 2.0 x 1.5 m, 3.0 x 1.0 m e 3.0 x 1.5 m, in the 1st, 3rd and 5th year after the planting. The present study was carried out as an experiment installed in an experimental design of randomized complete blocks in three replications. Variables determined were Biomass (BIO), Gross Calorific Value (GCV), Basic Density (BD), Energy Productivity (EP), Energy Density (ED), Fixed Carbon Content (FCC), Volatile Material Content (VMC), and Ash Content (AC). Ages have an effect on all studied variables, and in the 5th year after planting, the largest BIO, EP, BD, ED and FCC values are checked. The planting spacings induce different productions of BIO and EP, with a trend towards lower values with increasing planting spacing in all assessed periods. The compartments of trees influence BIO, GCV, FCC, VMC and AC variables. Regarding to energy, the higher the age and lower the planting spacing, the better the energy properties of biomass