Exploring the potential of the Tachigali vulgaris wood from an experimental planting for producing charcoal in the Eastern Amazonia

Abstract

Eastern Amazonia faces a shortage of plantations to fulfill both industrial and domestic energy needs, particularly in remote and isolated areas. The uniqueness of this study lies in assessing for the first time the impact of planting spacing (4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, 10.5, and 12.0 m2 plant− 1) and forking of Tachigali vulgaris on charcoal productivity and quality. Wood samples from 54 trees were pyrolyzed at 450°C for 30 min and comprehensively characterized (apparent density, specific firewood consumption, mass balance, proximate composition, heating value, and charcoal productivity). Charcoal’s apparent density increased in the wider spacings (except for 4.5 m2), ranging from 0.294 g cm–3 (4.5 m2) to 0.338 g cm–3 (10.5 m2). Less dense charcoals (0.316 g cm–3) were found for forked trees in opposite to non-forked trees (0.338 g cm–3). The specific consumption of firewood decreased in wider spacings (6.7 to 5.5 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal) and increased for forked trees (6.0 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal) compared to non-forked trees (5.5 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal). Spacings had no significant impact on charcoal gravimetric yields (35–36% based on dry mass - db), pyroligneous liquid (45–48% db), non-condensable gases (17–19% db), volatile matter (26% db), ashes (1.22% db), fixed carbon (73% db), higher heating value (30 MJ kg–1), and charcoal productivity (26 t ha–1 and 3.4 t ha–1 year–1). Results revealed that Tachigali vulgaris wood from experimental planting is promising for sustainable charcoal production in Eastern Amazonia.