Summary
Fuelwood quality parameters such as calorific value, siliceous matter and basic density of coconut stem wood were determined. The material examined was from non-diseased senile palms of age around 70 years and root-wilt diseased palms of age group 55–65 years, 35–45 years and 15–25 years. Average calorific value of coconut stem wood in air-dry condition was found to be about 16.3 MJ/kg and it compares fairly with that of hardwoods. A highly positive correlation (r=0.96) was obtained between density and calorific value per unit volume. Also, a highly negative correlation was obtained between siliceous matter and calorific value. Upper half of the mature and over-mature palms and full length of young palms which have been affected by root-wilt disease could be used as a fuelwood of adequate heating value or converted into charcoal.
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KFRI Scientific Paper No. 144. This paper is based on the work carried out under project Wood 08/1984. The financial assistance by the Coconut Development Board, Cochin is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are thankful to Mr. C.N. Krishnankutty and Mr. A. Nandakumar for help in data processing and to Mr. A. Ramakrishnan for typing the manuscript
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Dhamodaran, T.K., Gnanaharan, R. & Thulasidas, P.K. Calorific value variation in coconut stem wood. Wood Sci.Technol. 23, 21–26 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350603
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00350603