Don eucalyptus plantations impoverish the soil?
No, and Aracruz’ over 30 years of experience has been proof of this. Independent research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of eucalyptus cultivation on many soil properties such as structure, water storage capacity, drainage and aeration, among others due, to the intense deposition of organic matter on the soil – through leaves, bark and roots – estimated at 7 tons/hectare/year. The manner in which eucalyptus roots spread out, seeking nutrients and bringing them to the surface, often helps in the recuperation of soil fertility levels. Besides this, soil in an Aracruz region is almost always covered, which helps protect it against erosion. When mature trees are harvested, a new crop begins to grow immediately, either by natural regeneration or by replanting new stands. The warm Brazilian climate favors the fast regeneration of recently harvested areas. One important measure adopted by Aracruz has been replacement of nutrients through balanced fertilization, in accordance with spe
