Comparative analysis of propagation speeds estimated with different models in shrubland communities without trees in Galicia.
Authorship
L.G.T.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering (2nd ed)
L.G.T.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering (2nd ed)
Defense date
02.19.2026 09:45
02.19.2026 09:45
Summary
This Master’s Final Project consists of the analysis of five predictive models of surface fire rate of spread in order to establish a comparison among the estimates obtained, considering treeless shrubland communities and meteorological characteristics typical of Galicia. Three empirical models were used: Vega et al (1998), Fernandes (2001) and Anderson et al (2015); one physical model, Balbi et al (2020) and one semi-empirical model, Rothermel (1972). The model by Vega et al (1998) was chosen as the reference model to establish the comparisons, as it was developed from burn data on shrubland communities in Galicia. The equations were applied to a historical database (Vega et al, 2022) that includes destructive inventories of 673 plots established in treeless shrubland. Regarding meteorological conditions, the simulations were carried out for situations characteristic of Galicia: wind speeds at 10 meters ranging between 0 and 28 km/h and dead fuel moisture between 4 and 20%. The results were initially evaluated for the set of the five predictive models and, subsequently, each model was evaluated separately, analysing the rates of spread according to the shrubland community, the fuel model assigned to the plot, the wind speed at 10 meters and the dead fuel moisture. Finally, these results were compared with those of the reference model, except for dead fuel moisture, which is not included in that model. In general, discrepancies are observed between the estimates of all models. It is important to highlight that the largest discrepancies correspond to the Rothermel (1972) model, which is the one most widely used at present. The model by Balbi et al (2020) and especially the model by Anderson et al (2015) are those that provide estimates most similar to those of the reference model by Vega et al (1998).
This Master’s Final Project consists of the analysis of five predictive models of surface fire rate of spread in order to establish a comparison among the estimates obtained, considering treeless shrubland communities and meteorological characteristics typical of Galicia. Three empirical models were used: Vega et al (1998), Fernandes (2001) and Anderson et al (2015); one physical model, Balbi et al (2020) and one semi-empirical model, Rothermel (1972). The model by Vega et al (1998) was chosen as the reference model to establish the comparisons, as it was developed from burn data on shrubland communities in Galicia. The equations were applied to a historical database (Vega et al, 2022) that includes destructive inventories of 673 plots established in treeless shrubland. Regarding meteorological conditions, the simulations were carried out for situations characteristic of Galicia: wind speeds at 10 meters ranging between 0 and 28 km/h and dead fuel moisture between 4 and 20%. The results were initially evaluated for the set of the five predictive models and, subsequently, each model was evaluated separately, analysing the rates of spread according to the shrubland community, the fuel model assigned to the plot, the wind speed at 10 meters and the dead fuel moisture. Finally, these results were compared with those of the reference model, except for dead fuel moisture, which is not included in that model. In general, discrepancies are observed between the estimates of all models. It is important to highlight that the largest discrepancies correspond to the Rothermel (1972) model, which is the one most widely used at present. The model by Balbi et al (2020) and especially the model by Anderson et al (2015) are those that provide estimates most similar to those of the reference model by Vega et al (1998).
Direction
RUIZ GONZALEZ, ANA DARIA (Tutorships)
ALVAREZ GONZALEZ, JUAN GABRIEL (Co-tutorships)
RUIZ GONZALEZ, ANA DARIA (Tutorships)
ALVAREZ GONZALEZ, JUAN GABRIEL (Co-tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
DIEGUEZ ARANDA, ULISES (Secretary)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
DIEGUEZ ARANDA, ULISES (Secretary)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Member)
Analysis of greenhouse gas concentrations in fattening pig farms
Authorship
S.H.F.D.M.
Master's Degree in Agronomic Engineering
S.H.F.D.M.
Master's Degree in Agronomic Engineering
Defense date
02.03.2026 11:00
02.03.2026 11:00
Summary
The intensive pig farming sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, generating environmental and animal welfare challenges, especially during the fattening phase, when greenhouse gas emissions are highest. Air quality and microclimatic conditions directly influence the health, behavior, and performance of fattening pigs, so it is essential to analyze the evolution of these variables throughout the production cycle to optimize environmental management. The objective of this study is to analyze the daily evolution of greenhouse gas concentrations (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) on a conventional pig fattening farm with natural ventilation, as well as their relationship with other environmental variables that control ventilation systems (outside temperature, inside temperature, and relative humidity) and with the level of animal activity, which is an indicator of animal welfare. The study was carried out during the fattening period, selecting three weeks in which the variables analyzed were recorded continuously. The results show a progressive decline in animal activity, associated with weight gain and reduced daylight hours. Initially, two daily peaks of activity are observed, which evolve into a single peak at the end of the period. The cosine model fits well with climatic variables and activity, although it does not capture small variations in periods of low activity. Gas concentrations show similar patterns, with daily peaks in the first weeks and stabilization in the last weeks, which makes it difficult to adjust the model. Overall, the results highlight the usefulness of jointly monitoring environmental variables and animal activity as a tool for improving farm management, contributing to the optimization of animal welfare and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on pig farms.
The intensive pig farming sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, generating environmental and animal welfare challenges, especially during the fattening phase, when greenhouse gas emissions are highest. Air quality and microclimatic conditions directly influence the health, behavior, and performance of fattening pigs, so it is essential to analyze the evolution of these variables throughout the production cycle to optimize environmental management. The objective of this study is to analyze the daily evolution of greenhouse gas concentrations (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) on a conventional pig fattening farm with natural ventilation, as well as their relationship with other environmental variables that control ventilation systems (outside temperature, inside temperature, and relative humidity) and with the level of animal activity, which is an indicator of animal welfare. The study was carried out during the fattening period, selecting three weeks in which the variables analyzed were recorded continuously. The results show a progressive decline in animal activity, associated with weight gain and reduced daylight hours. Initially, two daily peaks of activity are observed, which evolve into a single peak at the end of the period. The cosine model fits well with climatic variables and activity, although it does not capture small variations in periods of low activity. Gas concentrations show similar patterns, with daily peaks in the first weeks and stabilization in the last weeks, which makes it difficult to adjust the model. Overall, the results highlight the usefulness of jointly monitoring environmental variables and animal activity as a tool for improving farm management, contributing to the optimization of animal welfare and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on pig farms.
Direction
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA DOLORES (Tutorships)
BESTEIRO DOVAL, ROBERTO (Co-tutorships)
FERNANDEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA DOLORES (Tutorships)
BESTEIRO DOVAL, ROBERTO (Co-tutorships)
Court
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Coordinator)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Chairman)
CUESTA GARCIA, TOMAS SERAFIN (Secretary)
Fernández Rodríguez, María Elena (Member)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Coordinator)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Chairman)
CUESTA GARCIA, TOMAS SERAFIN (Secretary)
Fernández Rodríguez, María Elena (Member)
Plan for the prevention and defense against wildland fires, council of Trazo, province A Coruña.
Authorship
S.L.G.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
S.L.G.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
Defense date
02.19.2026 09:00
02.19.2026 09:00
Summary
The municipality of Trazo is a small municipality located in the interior of the province of A Coruña and has a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. Currently, forest fires are one of the most serious problems affecting Galicia year after year. For a region whose economy is based on the forestry sector, acting in the area of prevention and defense against forest fires is essential for the economic, social, and environmental development that today's society demands. Over the years, the abandonment of forests and the depopulation of rural areas have negatively impacted the occurrence of forest fires, making it a problem that requires urgent attention. This work aims to assess the risk of forest fires in the municipality of Trazo, as well as to propose a series of improvements aimed at the prevention and defense against forest fires, since according to Law 3/2007, of April 9, on the prevention and defense against forest fires in Galicia, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to prepare and approve the plans for the prevention and defense against forest fires. This work aims to assess the risk of forest fires in the municipality of Trazo, as well as to propose a series of improvements aimed at the prevention and defense against forest fires, since according to Law 3/2007, of April 9, on the prevention and defense against forest fires in Galicia, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to prepare and approve plans for the prevention and defense against forest fires.
The municipality of Trazo is a small municipality located in the interior of the province of A Coruña and has a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. Currently, forest fires are one of the most serious problems affecting Galicia year after year. For a region whose economy is based on the forestry sector, acting in the area of prevention and defense against forest fires is essential for the economic, social, and environmental development that today's society demands. Over the years, the abandonment of forests and the depopulation of rural areas have negatively impacted the occurrence of forest fires, making it a problem that requires urgent attention. This work aims to assess the risk of forest fires in the municipality of Trazo, as well as to propose a series of improvements aimed at the prevention and defense against forest fires, since according to Law 3/2007, of April 9, on the prevention and defense against forest fires in Galicia, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to prepare and approve the plans for the prevention and defense against forest fires. This work aims to assess the risk of forest fires in the municipality of Trazo, as well as to propose a series of improvements aimed at the prevention and defense against forest fires, since according to Law 3/2007, of April 9, on the prevention and defense against forest fires in Galicia, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to prepare and approve plans for the prevention and defense against forest fires.
Direction
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Secretary)
GARCÍA ARIAS, ANA ISABEL (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Secretary)
GARCÍA ARIAS, ANA ISABEL (Member)
Development of a first technical economic model for chestnut production in Galicia
Authorship
A.V.L.L.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering (2nd ed)
A.V.L.L.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering (2nd ed)
Defense date
02.04.2026 09:00
02.04.2026 09:00
Summary
Galicia is the leading producer of chestnuts in Spain, so in order to move towards professionalization of the sector, it is essential to optimize and organize the work, as well as maximize the economic margin of this activity. In this regard, the use of tools that facilitate the work of producers is particularly important. One such tool is technical-economic models, which provide information on the set of activities that make up the production process of the good to be produced, as well as the costs involved in carrying out these activities. To contribute to this process, and in the absence of a specific model applied to the specific conditions of the Galician territory, this technical study carried out an exhaustive literature review, as well as establishing an experimental design in the field, in order to characterize and quantify both the yields and costs of the activities that make up the production process of obtaining chestnuts for fruit. Based on the information gathered in the literature review, and in combination with the measurements taken in the field, specific work units were created, which allow the costs corresponding to each stage to be quantified, as well as the time required for a worker to carry out the work. With its implementation in a technical-economic model, it became possible to simulate, based on the particular circumstances of each user, which activities should be carried out and to determine their possible productivity. Therefore, this work represents a further step in the optimization of the production process, as well as in the decision-making associated with it, such as the choice between different work techniques, allowing the user to choose the one that best suits their specific requirements.
Galicia is the leading producer of chestnuts in Spain, so in order to move towards professionalization of the sector, it is essential to optimize and organize the work, as well as maximize the economic margin of this activity. In this regard, the use of tools that facilitate the work of producers is particularly important. One such tool is technical-economic models, which provide information on the set of activities that make up the production process of the good to be produced, as well as the costs involved in carrying out these activities. To contribute to this process, and in the absence of a specific model applied to the specific conditions of the Galician territory, this technical study carried out an exhaustive literature review, as well as establishing an experimental design in the field, in order to characterize and quantify both the yields and costs of the activities that make up the production process of obtaining chestnuts for fruit. Based on the information gathered in the literature review, and in combination with the measurements taken in the field, specific work units were created, which allow the costs corresponding to each stage to be quantified, as well as the time required for a worker to carry out the work. With its implementation in a technical-economic model, it became possible to simulate, based on the particular circumstances of each user, which activities should be carried out and to determine their possible productivity. Therefore, this work represents a further step in the optimization of the production process, as well as in the decision-making associated with it, such as the choice between different work techniques, allowing the user to choose the one that best suits their specific requirements.
Direction
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
López Álvarez, Oscar (Co-tutorships)
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
López Álvarez, Oscar (Co-tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
DIAZ VARELA, EMILIO RAFAEL (Secretary)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
DIAZ VARELA, EMILIO RAFAEL (Secretary)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Member)
Study for the development of a technical economic model for beekeeping farms in Galicia
Authorship
I.M.S.
Master's Degree in Agronomic Engineering
I.M.S.
Master's Degree in Agronomic Engineering
Defense date
02.03.2026 12:00
02.03.2026 12:00
Summary
Beekeeping plays a fundamental role from an environmental, social and economic point of view, especially in rural areas. In Galicia, this activity has a long historical tradition and, at present, the sector is mainly made up of small to medium-sized farms with a low level of professionalisation. This study develops a technical economic model of beekeeping production focused on honey production, with the aim of evaluating the viability of projects and decisions related to farm management practices. This model is based on the production processes defined for hive management and the use of work units developed from up-to-date market price information, resulting in costs based on the activities carried out and the unit cost per kilogram of honey produced. For its validation, data obtained through a survey of Galician beekeepers was used, from which a total of 70 valid responses were collected, allowing the productive structure of Galician farms to be characterised. The results show that unit costs are strongly influenced by productivity per hive, since most of the work in the apiary is accounted for by the number of hives. It is also observed that the start-up of larger farms takes place gradually, and newly established professional farms are not included due to the high initial investment associated with the acquisition of live material. This study provides a useful tool for quantifying the management costs associated with honey production in relation to the productive reality of Galicia.
Beekeeping plays a fundamental role from an environmental, social and economic point of view, especially in rural areas. In Galicia, this activity has a long historical tradition and, at present, the sector is mainly made up of small to medium-sized farms with a low level of professionalisation. This study develops a technical economic model of beekeeping production focused on honey production, with the aim of evaluating the viability of projects and decisions related to farm management practices. This model is based on the production processes defined for hive management and the use of work units developed from up-to-date market price information, resulting in costs based on the activities carried out and the unit cost per kilogram of honey produced. For its validation, data obtained through a survey of Galician beekeepers was used, from which a total of 70 valid responses were collected, allowing the productive structure of Galician farms to be characterised. The results show that unit costs are strongly influenced by productivity per hive, since most of the work in the apiary is accounted for by the number of hives. It is also observed that the start-up of larger farms takes place gradually, and newly established professional farms are not included due to the high initial investment associated with the acquisition of live material. This study provides a useful tool for quantifying the management costs associated with honey production in relation to the productive reality of Galicia.
Direction
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
López Álvarez, Oscar (Co-tutorships)
MAREY PEREZ, MANUEL FRANCISCO (Tutorships)
López Álvarez, Oscar (Co-tutorships)
Court
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Coordinator)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Chairman)
CUESTA GARCIA, TOMAS SERAFIN (Secretary)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, IBAN (Member)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Coordinator)
RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL RAMIRO (Chairman)
CUESTA GARCIA, TOMAS SERAFIN (Secretary)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, IBAN (Member)
Study of methodological alternatives for the determination of carbon baselines for improved forest management projects based on Forest Management Plans.
Authorship
A.M.G.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
A.M.G.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
Defense date
02.04.2026 11:15
02.04.2026 11:15
Summary
Carbon markets are based on the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions through projects that achieve net carbon sequestration or reduce emissions relative to a no-project scenario. Historically, these initiatives have focused on the reforestation of previously deforested areas. Following the Bali Conference of the Parties, the approach was expanded to include Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects, aimed at reducing net emissions or increasing carbon sequestration in existing forest stands. Subsequently, after the Paris Conference, IFM projects can be developed in Annex II countries of the Kyoto Protocol, increasing the need for appropriate tools to ensure their proper implementation. Within this framework, Forest Management Projects (FMPs) are essential, as they reflect long-term forest management and can enable the establishment of a Carbon Baseline (CB). The objective of this study was to identify the minimum contents that FMPs must include in order to establish this CB and ensure additionality in carbon sequestration. To this end, FMPs from six Communal Forest (CF) in the province of A Coruña were used, and a technical analysis was carried out. The results showed that the CB could not be established at the stand level and had to be defined at the forest level, due to the lack of inventory data and site index information. The CB was estimated according to the PP2 silvicultural model and the total above-ground biomass estimated for each CF. Based on this, delaying thinning operations and the final harvesting rotation was proposed in order to increase additionality, yielding positive results. Finally, it was concluded that appropriate forest management should consider the optimal rotation according to site productivity and maximize the service life of wood products in order to simultaneously optimize forest production and carbon sequestration.
Carbon markets are based on the offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions through projects that achieve net carbon sequestration or reduce emissions relative to a no-project scenario. Historically, these initiatives have focused on the reforestation of previously deforested areas. Following the Bali Conference of the Parties, the approach was expanded to include Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects, aimed at reducing net emissions or increasing carbon sequestration in existing forest stands. Subsequently, after the Paris Conference, IFM projects can be developed in Annex II countries of the Kyoto Protocol, increasing the need for appropriate tools to ensure their proper implementation. Within this framework, Forest Management Projects (FMPs) are essential, as they reflect long-term forest management and can enable the establishment of a Carbon Baseline (CB). The objective of this study was to identify the minimum contents that FMPs must include in order to establish this CB and ensure additionality in carbon sequestration. To this end, FMPs from six Communal Forest (CF) in the province of A Coruña were used, and a technical analysis was carried out. The results showed that the CB could not be established at the stand level and had to be defined at the forest level, due to the lack of inventory data and site index information. The CB was estimated according to the PP2 silvicultural model and the total above-ground biomass estimated for each CF. Based on this, delaying thinning operations and the final harvesting rotation was proposed in order to increase additionality, yielding positive results. Finally, it was concluded that appropriate forest management should consider the optimal rotation according to site productivity and maximize the service life of wood products in order to simultaneously optimize forest production and carbon sequestration.
Direction
ALVAREZ RODRIGUEZ, ESPERANZA (Tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Co-tutorships)
ALVAREZ RODRIGUEZ, ESPERANZA (Tutorships)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Co-tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Secretary)
BARREIRO BUJÁN, ANA ISABEL (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Rojo Alboreca, Alberto (Secretary)
BARREIRO BUJÁN, ANA ISABEL (Member)
Influence of vegetation cover on soil properties: Al chemistry and microbial activity
Authorship
A.O.C.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
A.O.C.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
Defense date
02.04.2026 10:30
02.04.2026 10:30
Summary
In western Asturias, the valley and mountains of the Navia River basin constitute a distinctly rural area, where the working population is closely linked to the primary sector. This area features frequent mosaic landscapes, mainly consisting of forest cover (woodland, acidophilic scrubland, and forest plantations) and agricultural areas, especially meadows. This Master's Thesis analyses the characteristics of different soils in the study area under different vegetation covers: meadow, scrub, oak forest, Scots pine and radiata pine, developed on slate. The aim is to understand the influence of different vegetation covers and their management on different soil parameters. To this end, general soil analyses are carried out, solid-phase Al fractionation is performed, and Al and organic matter in solution and biological parameters linked to microbial activity are also determined. The soils analysed are acidic (pH under 5), rich in Al, with a high organic matter content (more than 7%) and low fertility. The homogeneity of these parameters among the different soils could explain the few significant differences obtained in most parameters. Only meadow soils have significantly higher values of Ca, CICe and available P, together with lower contents of exchangeable Al and lower Al saturation, which is attributed to the application of granulated lime every 5 years. In all cases, aluminium is mainly bound to organic matter (Alp), with highly stable complexes (Alpcu) predominating. Overall, the results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the different vegetation covers studied and the physicochemical and biological properties of the soils that support them.
In western Asturias, the valley and mountains of the Navia River basin constitute a distinctly rural area, where the working population is closely linked to the primary sector. This area features frequent mosaic landscapes, mainly consisting of forest cover (woodland, acidophilic scrubland, and forest plantations) and agricultural areas, especially meadows. This Master's Thesis analyses the characteristics of different soils in the study area under different vegetation covers: meadow, scrub, oak forest, Scots pine and radiata pine, developed on slate. The aim is to understand the influence of different vegetation covers and their management on different soil parameters. To this end, general soil analyses are carried out, solid-phase Al fractionation is performed, and Al and organic matter in solution and biological parameters linked to microbial activity are also determined. The soils analysed are acidic (pH under 5), rich in Al, with a high organic matter content (more than 7%) and low fertility. The homogeneity of these parameters among the different soils could explain the few significant differences obtained in most parameters. Only meadow soils have significantly higher values of Ca, CICe and available P, together with lower contents of exchangeable Al and lower Al saturation, which is attributed to the application of granulated lime every 5 years. In all cases, aluminium is mainly bound to organic matter (Alp), with highly stable complexes (Alpcu) predominating. Overall, the results indicate that there is no significant relationship between the different vegetation covers studied and the physicochemical and biological properties of the soils that support them.
Direction
ALVAREZ RODRIGUEZ, ESPERANZA (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ SANJURJO, MARIA JOSEFA (Co-tutorships)
BARREIRO BUJÁN, ANA ISABEL (Co-tutorships)
ALVAREZ RODRIGUEZ, ESPERANZA (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ SANJURJO, MARIA JOSEFA (Co-tutorships)
BARREIRO BUJÁN, ANA ISABEL (Co-tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Secretary)
CARRAL VILARIÑO, EMILIO V. (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ RUIZ, JOEL (Secretary)
CARRAL VILARIÑO, EMILIO V. (Member)
Analysis of the physical properties of mature eucalyptus globulus labill. Wood and its influence on wine maturation using different chips
Authorship
H.R.R.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
H.R.R.
Master's Degree in Forest Engineering
Defense date
02.04.2026 09:45
02.04.2026 09:45
Summary
The presence of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula constitutes a forestry reality of undeniable socioeconomic relevance. However, the management of these stands generates a large volume of mature wood which, due to its heartwood formation, encounters limitations for its integration into the cellulose industry. This causes a deficient valorization of the raw material, which exposes the urgent challenge of exploring new market niches that provide high added value. The present research determines the technological and enological aptitude of mature Eucalyptus globulus Labill. The experimental methodology addressed two complementary lines of work: the physical characterization of 335 specimens under UNE standards and the evaluation of the interaction kinetics of the wood with wine through a contact assay with different chip formats over 90 days. The results of the physical characterization define a high-density wood, with a mean value of 0.65 g/cm3 (rising to 0.79 g/cm3 at 12% moisture content). Likewise, a mean volumetric shrinkage of 17.75% and an anisotropy coefficient of 1.66 were recorded, parameters that condition its use in traditional cooperage due to drying requirements. In the chemical field, the interaction with the wood induced a deep transformation of the wine matrix. After 90 days, treatments with a higher dose (chips 10 g/L) increased the Total Polyphenol Index and Color Intensity by 54% and 56% compared to the control wine, significantly consuming free SO2 and confirming a rapid and potent extraction kinetics. This study concludes that mature Eucalyptus globulus Labill., considered a by-product, represents a possible alternative for wine aging. The data obtained support its technical viability, offering the wine sector an opportunity to diversify its utilizations towards innovative markets.
The presence of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula constitutes a forestry reality of undeniable socioeconomic relevance. However, the management of these stands generates a large volume of mature wood which, due to its heartwood formation, encounters limitations for its integration into the cellulose industry. This causes a deficient valorization of the raw material, which exposes the urgent challenge of exploring new market niches that provide high added value. The present research determines the technological and enological aptitude of mature Eucalyptus globulus Labill. The experimental methodology addressed two complementary lines of work: the physical characterization of 335 specimens under UNE standards and the evaluation of the interaction kinetics of the wood with wine through a contact assay with different chip formats over 90 days. The results of the physical characterization define a high-density wood, with a mean value of 0.65 g/cm3 (rising to 0.79 g/cm3 at 12% moisture content). Likewise, a mean volumetric shrinkage of 17.75% and an anisotropy coefficient of 1.66 were recorded, parameters that condition its use in traditional cooperage due to drying requirements. In the chemical field, the interaction with the wood induced a deep transformation of the wine matrix. After 90 days, treatments with a higher dose (chips 10 g/L) increased the Total Polyphenol Index and Color Intensity by 54% and 56% compared to the control wine, significantly consuming free SO2 and confirming a rapid and potent extraction kinetics. This study concludes that mature Eucalyptus globulus Labill., considered a by-product, represents a possible alternative for wine aging. The data obtained support its technical viability, offering the wine sector an opportunity to diversify its utilizations towards innovative markets.
Direction
DIAZ-MAROTO HIDALGO, IGNACIO JAVIER (Tutorships)
CONDE FERNANDEZ, ADRIANA (Co-tutorships)
DIAZ-MAROTO HIDALGO, IGNACIO JAVIER (Tutorships)
CONDE FERNANDEZ, ADRIANA (Co-tutorships)
Court
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Riesco Muñoz, Guillermo (Secretary)
GUAITA FERNANDEZ, MANUEL (Member)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Coordinator)
PEREZ CRUZADO, CESAR (Chairman)
Riesco Muñoz, Guillermo (Secretary)
GUAITA FERNANDEZ, MANUEL (Member)