ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE FULL UTILIZATION OF ENERGY FOREST - ECOLOGICAL, NUTRITIONAL, ENERGETIC AND SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS IN SHORT ROTATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

The growing demand for renewable energy sources has driven the establishment of fast-growing energy forests, mainly of the genera Eucalyptus and Pinus, managed under short rotations and reduced spacing. Although this model maximizes biomass production per unit area, it raises relevant questions about its ecological, nutritional and hydrological sustainability. This paper aims to conduct a critical environmental assessment of the full-tree utilization of energy forests, including stem, bark, branches, leaves and harvesting residues, considering its effects on nutrient cycling, biological stability, fauna conservation and technical-economic viability. Based on literature review and analysis of classic and contemporary studies, the ecological cost of intensive nutrient export, the structural simplification of the ecosystem and the importance of understory and native vegetation reserves as biodiversity corridors are discussed. Results indicate that full-tree harvesting can provide gains of up to 25% in dry matter, but with nutrient export exceeding 80% compared to stem-only harvesting, as demonstrated by Balloni (1979) and Poggiani (1981). It is concluded that the sustainability of energy forests depends on management that respects the carrying capacity of the site, maintains soil organic matter and integrates conservation practices.