DETERMINATION OF THE WOOD DRYING CURVE FOR FIVE SPECIES OF EUCALYPTUS CULTIVATED IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL.

The wood drying curve determination is fundamental for the forestry field, since through this it is possible to plan the wood logistics, from the forest stands, to the consumer unit. The aim of this study was to determine the wood drying curve for five eucalyptus species, evaluating the dry process conditions of wood with and without bark. For each species, six piles were formed, three by wood with bark and three by wood without bark, totalizing 1 m³ each one. The wood was weighted at 0, 30, 60 and 90 days after harvesting. The absolute weight estimated for the piles, at time 0, both with and without bark, were statistically equal for the Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus dunnii species and the hybrid Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis, while Eucalyptus grandis presented the lowest weight in both conditions. At the first 30 days, the humidity reduction was more pronounced in Eucalyptus grandis, E. benthamii, Eucalyptus saligna and the hybrid, corresponding to 15%, while Eucalyptus dunnii showed an initial humidity reduction of 5% only. The bark had a significant influence on the drying process. The high levels of precipitation impacted negatively the drying process of the both type of wood piles.