Species selection criteria for firewood. Preferred species and classification categories in two local communities in eastern Misiones, Argentina

Abstract

Background: Human populations develop locally-based knowledge about the species used as firewood through the use of natural resources, and by experimenting with cultural guidelines and transmitting their experiencies. In the selection and use of firewood this knowledge is mainly based on the igneous properties of each species. This study was carried out in rural settlements and indigenous populations of the province of Misiones, Argentina. We surveyed combustion properties and local categories of firewood classification. We analyzed the most relevant characteristics of the firewood obtained from different species and the multiple applications assigned to it according to local criteria. We recorded the origin of the species used as fuel and their selection criteria, the vernacular nomenclature and the descriptor elements of the firewood qualities. Based on them we identified classification categories.Methods: The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews, free lists and participant observation.Results: Through Principal Component Analysis, we established groups of species associated with combustion properties or attributes and identified the emerging criteria that associate them. There were 21 species preferred, most of them native. Differences were observed in the frequency of firewood collection by the two groups, with more frequent activity among the indigenous. In both groups, wood usually comes from dry, medium to large individuals. They both select, use and prefer species whose main attributes as firewood are duration of the embers, intensity of the flames and low emission of smoke.Conclusions: The tudy of classification system provides key information and broadens knowledge of the semantic corpus involved in their perception and practices.