Production of charcoal from native shrubs in the Atacama Region, Chile

Abstract

Charcoal production from woody shrubs is one of the main threats to native vegetation in arid zones. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the production of charcoal produced in Huasco province, southern of Atacama Region, and to identify the main species used in this process. Twenty one points of sale of native charcoal were detected in the study area. In each point, samples of the commercialized charcoal were collected and subsequently compared with reference samples. Twenty eight sellers, charcoal producers, and key informants were interviewed to estimate the volume of annual production. Four places of production were identified in the study area, three of them between Vallenar and El Tránsito, and one of them in Incahuasi-Tres Cruces. For 2007, a total production of 281 tons of charcoal was estimated in Huasco province, which is equivalent to an annual extraction of shrubs between 573 y 1,112 hectares. The main native shrubs used for the production of charcoal are Fabiana imbricata (Solanaceae), Balsamocarpon brevifolium (Fabaceae) and Adesmia hystrix (Fabaceae).