Uso de manta alumizada em estufas de ar forçado para redução do consumo de lenha na cura de tabaco.

Abstract

In crop 2004/2005, the firewood of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) was commercialized at a price around of 60% higher than the prior crop, due to probable future scarcity. The tobacco sector companies are working to stimulate the farmers in the reforestation, especially of Eucalyptus sp. The results of the reforestation are noticed, only after five years after the planting; however, the companies are looking for alternatives that may decrease the firewood consumption for tobacco curing. The work must have as an objective of analyzing the reduction of the firewood consumption in three bulk curing barns for tobacco curing, through the utilization of fresh foil as the internal covering of the barns. The work was realized at the municipality of Içara, State of Santa Catarina, in barns of farmers of CTA – Continental Tobaccos Alliance S/A. During the period from December of 2004 to February of 2005, the firewood consumption of six curings were analyzed – from that, three curing carried out with barns covered with fresh foil put throughout the walls and barn ceiling; and three conducted without the usage of fresh foil. It has been observed that the use of fresh foil provides an average reduction of 1.47 m³ of firewood consumption per curing, representing 23.3% in comparison with the consumption at the conventional barn.