The Eucalyptus Myth

Since eucalyptus plantation became quite intensive, the negative effect of the eucalyptus tree over water availability is being discussed. There is an obvious reason. As it grows vertiginously fast, the water consumption of the plant is enhanced. Based on that, the fame that "eucalyptus drains the soil" was consolidated.

Forest Researches prove that eucalyptus trees consume the same amount of water than other vegetation species, including native woods. The eucalyptus uses available water in a more effective way: it produces more wood with the same amount of water.
(Paula Lima, 2004).

In the past, due to the lack of scientific knowledge, people had a bias against eucalyptus. Recently, the ecology discourse increased the value of native species in detriment of exotic species, as if to condemn planted forests of eucalyptus and pine.

Well, surely these two species are exotic. But, almost all the agriculture species are exotic as well: corn, soybean, rice, beans, sugarcane, coffee, potatoes, oranges, etc. The only native Brazilian species is the manioc. Therefore, there is nothing either odd or different on this matter between agriculture and silviculture.

The pulp and paper production chain, when compared to other agribusiness, maintains a larger volume of protected natural areas. The preserved area covers 2,6 million hectares summing the total area of permanent preservation and legal reserves, including the native parks and reserves and the Natural Patrimony Private Reserves that integrate the National System of Preservation Units from the IBAMA (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources). This protection has an important effect that creates a beneficial attribute to the sector in the biodiversity issue.

Uses of Eucalyptus

• Pulp
  • Several Papers (printing, magazines, textbooks)
  • Sanitary pads
  • Toilet paper
  • Napkins
  • Disposable Diapers
  • Viscose, tencel (apparel)
  • Cellophane paper
  • Filament (tires)
  • Acetate (films)
  • Esters (dyes, paints)
  • Capsules for medications
  • Food thickener
  • Electronic components
• Essential Oils
  • Drugs
  • Hygiene Products
  • Cleansing Products
• Food
  • Apiary products
  • Honey
  • Propolis
  • Royal Jelly
• Timber
  • Furniture
  • Civil Construction
  • Toys
• Poles and Posts
• Laminated, MDF, HDF, Fiber Sheets, Plywood
• Charcoal and Firewood

Other uses: eucalyptus also removes CO2 from the atmosphere contributing to minimize the greenhouse effect and improving the local microclimate. Also, eucalyptus protects the soil against eroding processes granting to the earth the characteristics of permeability, increasing the infiltration rate of rainwater and regulating the hydrologic regime in the planted areas.

Source: Por Dentro do Eucalipto, by Celulose Nipo-Brasileira S.A. - Cenibra