Influence of fertilization and water deficit on the density and anatomical characteristics of eucalyptus grandis wood

Abstract

The expansion of plantations may be compromised by climate change, altering the frequency and intensity of precipitation. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of potassium and sodium fertilization and water deficit on the apparent density property and anatomical characteristics of Eucalyptus grandis wood. Six treatments varying in fertilization and rainfall incidence were evaluated. Apparent density testing was conducted via X-ray, while the anatomical features of fibers and vessels were examined through image analysis using a polarized light microscope. Cartography was also performed to map the density variation along the trunk in longitudinal and radial directions. Trees without fertilization exhibited higher apparent density, whereas those with partial rain exclusion displayed less homogeneous wood. Overall, treatments involving potassium and sodium showed no significant difference between them and resulted in a thinner secondary wall. The results indicate that water deficit and fertilization methods significantly impact wood properties.