Efeito da idade e posição de amostragem na densidade e características anatômicas da madeira de Eucalyptus grandis

The knowledge of the variations in the wood characteristics produced by eucalyptus trees according to age and sampling positions is essential for its proper use. This study had as objective to evaluate the influence of the age, longitudinal and radial positions on basic density and anatomical characteristics in Eucalyptus grandis wood. The trees were planted in 3x2 m spacing and fertilized with commercial fertilizers in planting, 6th and 12th months. According to basal area distribution, fifteen trees were selected (24, 36 and 72 months of age) - five trees per age. Disks at DBH position (1.3 m) were taken for fiber determination (length, wall thickness, lumen diameter and width) and vessels (tangential diameter, frequency and area occupied) and in other different sampling positions for basic density determination. Wood basic density increased from 0.43 to 0.46 g.cm-3 as well as the trees age increases with a longitudinal variation model, characterized through a decrease in base-3m (0.42-0.49 0.40-0.46 g.cm-3) and an increase to the top of the trunk (0.46 0.54 g.cm-3) Fibers and vessels dimensions showed variations related to age and to pit-bark direction. Wood properties behavior and variations indicate that, until this period, the juvenile wood is being formed.