COMPARISON OF QUALITY FOR WOOD CHARCOAL PRODUCTION AT THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM EL PLANTEL, MASAYA

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to compare the quality production of charcoal from the pit of earth and brick oven using Eucalyptus camaldulensis, using two diametric categories, we selected trees with diameters ranging from 20 to 30 cm and over 30 cm. For each diameter category five trees were used for a total of ten individuals, felled trees with directional felling technique, with an ax from 30 cm soil. We proceeded to measure the length of the log in meters using a tape measure to measure the average diameter. Then we proceeded to calculate the volume of clean bole using the Smalian´s formula, then were moved logs and branches to the site of carbonization and deposited by diameter class, where volume was calculated using Huber's formula for the scaling of the branches use the traditional method of stereo meters. For diameter class of 20 to 30 cm it used a volume of 4,48 m3 and for category greater than 30 cm diameter it was 6,55 m3. After the carbonization process were collected eigth sacks in the pit of land, equivalent to 0,217 m3, in the brick oven were obtained 18 sacks representing 0,496 m3. Comparing the quality standards of the FAO, with those obtained in this study are acceptable, it is concluded that the method of production of brick oven using trees over 30 cm diameter is the best method for the production of charcoal.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v13i21.1677