Effecfts of mixed native species plantatios on the wood anatomy and quality of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus; mixed-species plantations; wood anatomy; fiber morphology; vessel characteristics; hydraulic safety; wood density; native species integration; plantation sustainability
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 33% native Cerrado species on the wood anatomy and quality of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis. Two treatments were evaluated: a monoculture and a mixed plantation containing Eucalyptus and native species . Significant anatomical differences were observed across all measured parameters. Mixed plantation presented greater fiber diameter and length, along with reduced fiber lumen diameter, indicating thicker fiber walls. Ray frequency and height increased in the mixed stand, whereas ray width decreased. Vessel diameter was narrower and vessel frequency was higher under mixed plantation, suggesting a shift toward safer hydraulic architecture. Wood density also increased in the mixed plantation. Overall, mixed-species systems promoted denser wood, conservative hydraulic traits, and enhanced structural reinforcement, highlighting their potential to improve eucalyptus wood quality and plantation sustainability.