Effecfts of mixed native species plantatios on the wood anatomy and quality of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus hybrid, mixed plantations, wood anatomy, Cerrado biome, sustainable forestry
The widespread cultivation of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis in monoculture systems has raised environmental concerns, including biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and reduced water availability. As an alternative, mixed plantations that integrate native Cerrado species are being promoted to enhance ecosystem services, restore degraded landscapes, and potentially influence wood anatomical properties. This research aims to evaluate the effects of introducing native species into mixed plantations on the wood anatomy and quality of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis.The study will compare pure Eucalyptus stands with mixed plantations containing 33% native Cerrado species. Anatomical characteristics such as vessel diameter and frequency, ray dimensions, fiber morphology, and basic wood density will be analyzed. Samples will be collected and processed for macroscopic, microscopic, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations. Histological sections will be prepared according to IAWA standards and Franklin’s methodology. Anatomical measurements will be carried out using ImageJ software, and statistical analyses will include ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA).This work aims to contribute to the understanding of how biodiversity-oriented silvicultural practices influence wood properties, providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable forest management strategies that balance productivity with ecological resilience.