Eucalyptus pellita and Acacia hybrid species: potential bioenergy plantation in managing the risk of invasive in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Eucalyptus pellita and Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis) have favourable properties for bioenergy. However, these species have been indicated as invasive species. Because of great economic value of the species, managing the risk of its invasiveness is necessary. This paper presents an analytical study to examine the uses of E. pellita and Acacia hybrid for bioenergy while preventing its invasive potential. Data for the analysis was collected from two demonstration plots which were laid out in randomized completed block design with three replications of 16-squared tree-plots. The observation includes height, DBH, stand volume, and wood properties which were then converted into the wood biomass and energy potential. The findings indicate that E. pellita and Acacia hybrid could be potential sources of bioenergy. At short rotation of 36 months age, the estimated total energy potential for E. pellita ranged from 11.39 to 16.39 toe.ha-1, while the Acacia hybrid ranged from 23.41 to 35.74 toe.ha-1. Plantation management for bioenergy following considerations in reproductive system, growth, tree morphology, and wood properties could be applied to reduce the risk of invasiveness of the species. Implications to improve breeding strategy for bioenergy while avoiding the risk of invasive are also further discussed.