Volume, biomass, carbon stock and efficiency of water use in irrigated eucalyptus

Abstract

Since eucalyptus is a fast-growing plant, it offers advantages in comparison to other forest species, and the use of localized irrigation systems can increase yield and reduce time to cutting. The aim of this study was to evaluate two eucalyptus hybrids, growth in crop condition: irrigated and dry land, during the first year of development of the crop. The experiment was set up in April 2011 in the irrigation experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was use in split-plots, with four blocks and two replications within each block. Plots were composed of the irrigation treatments (drip, micro sprinkler and no irrigation), and the subplots were composed of two eucalyptus hybrids (Grancam and Urograndis). Evaluations occurred at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days after transplant (DAT), measuring the height of plants and trunk diameter; and, thus, the volume, biomass, carbon stock and efficiency in water use in all the periods evaluated was estimated. Data were subject to analysis of variance and compared by the Tukey test at the level of 5% probability. It is concluded that at 360 DAT, the drip and micro sprinkler irrigations led to gains in biomass and carbon stock of around 190% as compared to eucalyptus without irrigation.