Potential of the use of four bamboo species for the production of charcoal for home use

Abstract

The use of bamboo stems can be an important alternative for expanding renewable sources for bioenergy production, including for charcoal production. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of four bamboo species for the production of charcoal for home use, as a way to promote the multiple use of this raw material and to generate additional income for the family farmers of Santa Catarina state. Five individuals of the species Bambusa vulgaris, collected in Florianópolis, and Phyllostachys bambusoides; Phyllostachys edulis; Phyllostachys nigra were collected in the municipality of Frei Rogério, Santa Catarina. The analyses of the basic density of the in natura stems, the physical properties, gravimetric yield and energetic properties of the charcoal were carried out in the basal, median and top portions of the bamboo stems of each species. The quality of the charcoal varied among the bamboo species, having as the only negative point the high ash content for home use charcoal. There was a high positive correlation between the basic density of the stem and the apparent relative density of charcoal. The species B. vulgaris presented the highest yield in the productive process, but it generated lighter charcoal and with lower energy performance. Among the evaluated species, Phyllostachys nigra was the species that produced the charcoal with the best energetic quality and with good physical properties and gravimetric yield. The quality of the charcoal varies with respect to the height of the stem. The top of the stems, which is the residue that can be destined for the production of charcoal in commercial plantations of bamboo for multiple uses, presented greater yield in the productive process and charcoal with greater density. However, the energetic quality of the charcoal was inferior in relation to the base and median position of the stems.