Qualidade de Madeiras Produzidas no Semiárido Nordestino
Maria Cleoneide Carlos
UFERSA
Alice Galdino de Souza
Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido
Francisco Davi Freitas Alves
Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido
Fernando Rusch
Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido
Rafael Rodolfo de Melo
Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido
Palavras-chave: silvicultura, propriedades físico-mecânicas, espécies nativas, irrigação
Resumo
The study aimed to evaluate the wood quality of species cultivated in the northeastern semiarid region, considering their physical and mechanical properties and potential to supply the furniture hub of Marco (CE). The analyzed species were Angico, Jatobá, Pau d’Arco, and Sobrasil, subjected to two irrigation regimes (12 and 36 months). The parallel-to-grain compression tests followed the ASTM D 143 (2021) standard.
The experiment was conducted with material obtained from an experimental area of Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, located between the municipalities of Acaraú and Marco, in the state of Ceará. The region has a tropical climate with a dry winter, an average annual rainfall of 900 mm, and an average temperature of 28.1 °C. The trees used were between 10 and 11 years old, and discs were taken along the stem of each one for the physical and mechanical characterization of the wood.
The results showed distinct behaviors among the species under the different irrigation regimes. Angico exhibited high compressive strength at 12 months (64.66 MPa) and a density of 0.810 g/cm³, but a slight reduction at 36 months, indicating that prolonged irrigation may not favor the structural development of this wood. Jatobá, on the other hand, showed an increase in strength over time—from 19.93 MPa at 12 months to 31.18 MPa at 36 months—along with an increase in apparent density, suggesting that the extended water regime favored its anatomical development.
Pau d’Arco and Sobrasil showed intermediate performance, with a slight reduction in compressive strength but stable apparent density. This stability indicates physiological adaptation to the semiarid environment. A positive correlation was observed between apparent density and compressive strength, especially for Angico and Jatobá, confirming that denser woods present greater mechanical resistance.
The study concluded that the irrigation regime directly influences the physical and mechanical properties of wood, varying according to the species. Angico and Jatobá demonstrated greater potential, being suitable for applications in the furniture and structural industries. Pau d’Arco and Sobrasil, with lower mechanical strength, are more suitable for less demanding uses, such as internal components and decorative pieces.
Overall, the research confirms the potential of the northeastern semiarid region for cultivating species with adequate quality for the timber sector, reinforcing the importance of irrigation management during the early months after planting for the establishment of forest plantations in the Semiarid region.