[TheForge] eucalyptus charcoal

[gblacksmith]

I think the Brazil paper tree venture was with Gmelina trees, vs. 
Eucalyptus.  As I recall, it was the brainchild of Daniel K. Ludwig, who, 
during the 60s and 70's was arguably the richest man in the world.  Made his 
fortune in shipping, I believe.  Grant
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Erik Gutfeldt" <erikg at apple.com>
To: "Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] eucalyptus charcoal


>
> On Aug 18, 2005, at 1:32 PM, mrscherm at aol.com wrote:
>
>> but the charcoal making process emits far more carbon dioxide than  the 
>> trees can consume
>
>
> Nope, cannot be true.
>
> Believe it or not the carbon contained in any plant matter, including 
> eucalyptus trees, came from CO2. So, any carbon in the form of CO2 
> released from tree material cannot be more than the CO2 used by the  tree 
> during it's growth. Plants don't have any source of the element  carbon 
> other than from CO2.
>
> But the conversion back to CO2 is not 100% efficient. Also, not 100%  of 
> the tree material is used. Some carbon remains in the roots,  leaves and 
> bark. These will only re-release their carbon as they decay.
>
> Do eucalyptus trees grow well in northern Brazil? I recall a failed 
> 'ecological' paper making venture in Brazil. They couldn't get trees  to 
> grow in the cleared rain forrest land. It's really really poor soil.
>
> Erik
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