WOOD PRODUCTION AND Eucalyptus L’HERITIER PLANTATIONS IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Abstract

Silviculture using species of the genus Eucalyptus L’Heritier in Brazil, is a highly technological and specialized activity, predominating the intensive system through clonal plantations for the cellulose fibre export market. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of the productive and extensive arrangement of Eucalyptus L’Heritier silviculture distributed throughout Northeast Brazil. We obtained data from the official platform of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) on the number of municipalities, inhabitants, territorial extension of municipalities, and states in Northeast Brazil and data on planted areas and wood production volume, as well as for the monetary value of Eucalyptus L’Heritier silviculture production in Northeast Brazil for the year 2022. We compiled the data spreadsheet and conducted descriptive statistics, generating self-explanatory graphs and tables, using JASP 0.18® software. Using vector cartography in SHP format of the year 2022 obtained from the IBGE platform, for municipal and state territories in the Northeast region of Brazil, we created, a thematic map of the distribution of Eucalyptus L’Heritier plantations in these territories with the aid of QGIS® 3.28 software. We observed that only 10 municipalities represent approximately 60% of the planted areas in each state. Maranhão and Bahia had the highest cellulose and charcoal production and the greatest number of municipalities and planted areas. Eucalyptus L’Heritier silviculture in the Northeast has a positive regional socioeconomic impact by providing a clean energy matrix and the possibility of cultivation in small rural properties, outside large production centres.