Quality classification of black wattle trees biomass for energetic purposes

Abstract

One of the main difficulties in choosing forest biomass for energetic purposes is the evaluation of its quality. Thus, the objective of this research was to propose a classification of the biomass of black wattle stands based on the variables gross calorific value, energy density, ash content and biomass stock. For this purpose, commercial stands of the species were sampled in three growing regions (Cristal, Encruzilhada do Sul and Piratini) in Rio Grande do Sul, with 1 to 10 years old classified into age groups I, II, III and IV. In these stands, 670 trees were felled, their biometric and energetic variables were measured. From these locations, meteorological and edaphic variables were also collected. Cluster analysis was used to separate the predictor variables into three quality classes called low, medium and high. Discriminant analysis revealed two functions capable of classifying new observations into quality classes. The discriminant functions were able to correctly classify more than 51% of the trees based on gross calorific value, 65% based on energy density, 89% on ash content and 85% on energy stock. The biometric, energetic and meteorological variables contributed to the discrimination of the quality classes.