Heartwood and sapwood variation in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. trees at the end of rotation for pulp wood production

The amount of heartwood and sapwood in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. wood was determined in commercial pulpwood plantations at harvest age (12 to 15 years) in four ites in central portugal. twelve trees were sampled in each site at nine stem height levels. Heartwood was present in all the trees up to 82%–87% of the total tree height and amounted to 38%–41% of the total tree volume. The heartwood proportion in the stem cross-section decreased from the base upwards, representing 53.3% and 26.1% of the total area respectively at the base and 55% height level. The sapwood width remained relatively constant along the stem at a mean 38 mm up to the 55% height level. The trees within the site, the height level and their interaction were highly significant sources of variation for heartwood proportion and sapwood width. The heartwood diameter and sapwood width were positively correlated with radial tree growth.     

Circumferential variation of heartwood and stem quality in maritime pine stems

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is an important timber and pulpwood species covering about 4 million ha in Portugal, Spain and France. This work studied the cross-sectional distribution of heartwood and sapwood along the stem using 3D modelling on 20 trees. The target was to assess the potential of this species for the industrial production of heartwood sawn products. The maritime pine stems were characterized by wide sapwood of 10 cm, in average, and the presence of heartwood at all height levels with constant diameter up to 35 % tree height, decreasing afterwards. In the radial section, the heartwood follows a circumferential-like shape which changes along the stem. Pith eccentricity index values were low and homogeneous regarding to stem and higher for heartwood. Heartwood cross-sectional shape was constant up to 45 % of total height of the tree and more elongated upwards. The constant heartwood diameter, low taper and pith eccentricity index, and an approximate circular shape up to 10 m height indicated these species’ potential to produce solid wood products made out of heartwood.     

Variation of extractives content in heartwood and sapwood of Eucalyptus globulus trees

The variation in extractives content in sapwood and heartwood was investigated among 12 trees in each of four commercial plantations of Eucalyptus globulus in central Portugal. The study was carried out at the 15% height level and extractions used successively dichloromethane, ethanol and water. At all sites, heartwood had significantly more extractives than sapwood, on average 3.8 and 2.4%, respectively. Most extractives consisted of ethanol soluble material (on average 52% of total extractives). Among the sites, there was a statistically significant difference in the content of extractives but the most important source of variation was the within-tree variation between sapwood and heartwood. Differences in the content of extractives were also observed among trees. A strong relation between extractives content and heartwood proportion was found. The potential loss of pulp yield and problems associated with accumulation of extractives are directly related to the heartwood proportion in the eucalypt stems. Forest management should take into account heartwood development and selection for minimising heartwood extractives.     

Characterization of Douglas-fir grown in Portugal: heartwood,sapwood, bark,ring width and taper

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the best timber conifers providing long sawnwood components. Original from North America, it has been planted in Europe on approximately 550 thousand ha. Twenty Douglas-fir trees growing in two sites in Portugal were studied regarding ring analysis, heartwood, sapwood and bark development, and taper. The radial growth rate was 7.1 and 6.6 mm year⁻¹ at stem base for 45- and 50-year-old trees, respectively, in the two sites. Initial growth rate was slower, increasing until about 20 years and decreasing afterwards. Heartwood proportion represented on average 49% of the cross section in the lower part of the stem and decreased upwards. Heartwood formation was estimated to start at a cambial age of 8–9 years and increasing by 0.7–0.9 rings year⁻¹. Sapwood width was on average 75 mm at stem base, decreasing upwards. Bark was 26–27 mm thick at stem base, where it represented 15% of the cross-sectional area and decreased to 3–5 mm at the top. Stemwood and heartwood tapers were on average 15 mm m⁻¹ in the lower stem part and 21 and 18 mm m⁻¹, respectively, in the upper part. Douglas-fir showed a good potential for the mountain areas of Portugal, and under the silvicultural conditions of both stands the trees presented ring homogeneity, small conicity and low taper suitable for long wood components.

     

Estimation of inside-bark diameter and heartwood diameter for Tectona grandis Linn. trees using artificial neural networks

The objective of this study was to obtain neural networks that would precisely estimate inside-bark diameter (d _ib ) and heartwood diameter (d _h ) and compare to the results obtained by the Taper models. The databank was formed so as to eliminate inconsistent and biased data, and stratified: minimum d _ib of 4, 6 and 8 cm and minimum d _h of 10, 15 and 20 cm. The adjusted Taper model used was the Kozak model. For the fitting of artificial neural networks (ANN), tests were performed to identify the independent variables and the database scope level, i.e., the following input variables were tested: diameter at breast height (dbh), total height (H), height at diameter d _ib or d _h (h) and outside-bark diameter at h (d _ob ), bark thickness at 1.3 m and project, and the scope at database level or project level. The estimates obtained by the neural networks and Kozak model were evaluated by residual graphs in function of the respective diameter observed and graph of the observed versus estimated values. ANN were found to be more efficient in estimating inside-bark and heartwood diameters for Tectona grandis trees than the Kozak model. The variables that must be used to fit the networks are dbh, H, h and d _ob . Stratification by project results in precision gain, with precision being higher for wider commercial diameters. Thus, linear-type artificial neural networks can be efficient in describing the taper of Tectona grandis trees.     

Heartwood, sapwood and bark content of teak trees grown in Karnataka, India

We evaluated heartwood, sapwood and bark content in teak trees. A total of 27 sample plots were laid out in teak plantations raised by State Forest Department in Karnataka covering different age groups...     

Assessment of crown woody biomass in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus grandis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. globulus</Emphasis> plantations

Young trees were harvested to explore non-destructive methodologies to estimate live branch dry weights in young fast-growing Eucalyptus species under different spacing and fertilizer treatments. Branch growth can vary with silvicultural management such as spacing, fertilizing and thinning, and over relatively short periods in response to environmental conditions. Many published regressions based on standard measurements of height and diameter are site, age and treatment specific. The aim of this study was to improve our capacity to predict woody crown dry weight, based on stem measurements, and to minimize (or eliminate) treatment effects on the resulting model. In young trees, branches are temporary support structures for foliage and are often discarded as the base of the green crown rises. As temporary structures they represent an investment of biomass and nutrient elements, and are subject to selection pressures to maximize the return on investment by the tree. Trees were harvested from existing plantation experiments located in south-eastern Queensland for E. grandis W. Hill ex Maiden (ranging from 0.28 to 15.85 m in height, to 5 years old) and south-western Australia for E. globulus Labill. (0.10–34.4 m in height, to 10.2 years) in order to examine the impact of spacing, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on early growth. Relationships to estimate crown woody biomass from non-destructive measurements were developed, and these relationships tended to have different slopes and intercepts for trees with predominantly juvenile foliage and those with intermediate or adult foliage. Dry weight of whole-crown live branch wood (W_branch) was related to heights and/or diameter at breast height (D_BH), but the regressions parameters were different, depending on treatment. The relationships became more generic (i.e. less dependent on treatment effects) between W_branch and stem sectional area at the height of the base of the green crown (SA_CB), consistent with the pipe model theory (R² > 0.91 for the two species for trees with intermediate/adult leaves). However, W_branch was more closely related again to the stem volume above the base of the green crown and treatment effects were not significant (V_Con,gc, R² > 0.93). Branches exit the stem below the green crown, and for E. grandis the best relationship was on stem volume above the lowest live branch (V_Con,llb, R² 0.94). Limited sampling from four other species with similar or contrasting crown characteristics indicated that the relationship could be applied quite generally. Individual E. grandis branch woody dry weight was closely related to the conical volume of the main (first order) branch (V_con,br, R² 0.98₎. The whole crown equivalent, branch woody dry weight plus stem dry weight above the lowest live branch, was also closely related to the stem volume within the woody crown (V_Con,llb, R² 0.97–0.99). While the slope of this relationship was still significantly different between trees with juvenile and intermediate/adult foliage, it had a similar form, suggesting that trees with juvenile foliage allocated a different proportion of their woody biomass within the crown to branches than older trees.     

Assessing genetic variation to improve stem straightness in Eucalyptus globulus

Context

Stem straightness is an important trait for growers and processors of Eucalyptus globulus logs for solid-wood products.

Aims

The aims of the study were to determine the extent of genetic variation in stem deviation from straightness in E. globulus and assess the utility of a six-point subjective scoring method as a selection criterion for stem straightness.

Methods

Two E. globulus progeny trials, grown under solid-wood product regimes, were studied. At age 9 years (post-thinning), stem straightness was measured using both image analysis and a six-point subjective scale. Diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m) was measured at both age 5 (pre-thinning) and age 9 years.

Results

Significant additive genetic variation was observed. Strong, positive and significant additive genetic correlations were observed between the stem straightness assessment methods and between DBH at ages 5 and 9 years. Significant positive genetic correlations were shown between subjectively scored stem straightness and DBH at both ages 5 and 9 years.

Conclusion

The six-point subjective scoring method is a cost-effective selection criterion for stem straightness in E. globulus. The image measurement technique may be applied where objective estimates of stem straightness are required, for training purposes and to verify subjective scores.     

Stem mapping and estimating standing volume from stereoscopic hemispherical images

Sustainable forest management requires knowledge of forest structure and dynamics as well as an estimation of growing stock. The forest inventory provides the data for estimating stand variables. The measurement device MU2005-01738, patented by the Center for Forest Research (INIA-CIFOR), provides stereoscopic hemispherical images which can allow the 3D restoration of the stand around the sampling point. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for forest stand mapping as well as tree diameter and height measurement along with volume estimation from the stereoscopic hemispherical images provided by the MU2005-01738. Using the MU2005-01738, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations were sampled. Distance, diameter, height and volume were derived from the stereoscopic hemispherical images of 30 trees located at distances ranging from 0 to 15 m from the device. These variables were then compared with field measurements and the estimation errors analyzed. The (root-mean-squared error) RMSE was 0.23 m (8.95 %) for tree position and 1.51 cm (10.43 %) for diameter at breast height measurement at distances of less than 8 m. In the case of stem height and individual tree volume estimation, the RMSE was 2.59 m (23.05 %) and 0.025 m³ (17.94 %), respectively. The analysis of measurement errors indicated that the measurement precision decreases beyond 8 m from the device as well as for directions close to the baseline (the line between the optical centers of the two images), whereas the precision was highest for directions near to the line which is perpendicular to the base line. Future research should focus on improving measurement accuracy and possible applications in the field of forestry of the techniques presented in this study.     

Heartwood assessment of natural <Emphasis Type="Italic">Santalum album</Emphasis> populations for agroforestry development in Sri Lanka

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is developing as an important agroforestry crop in Sri Lanka. The value of S. album depends upon the oil content in the heartwood and its composition with reference to sesquiterpene alcohols cis-α-santalol and cis-β-santalol. According to the popular belief in Sri Lanka, certain S. album trees do not produce oil even after maturity. Therefore the present study was conducted to identify the presence and the variation of essential oil, its composition and the variation of growth parameters of nine distinctive S. album populations growing under different agroecological zones in Sri Lanka. According to the results, heartwood content, oil content and its constituents varied within and between the populations. It was interesting to observe that cis-α-santalol and cis-β-santalol were not detected in certain S. album trees though the oil contents of those trees were higher than the average. Heartwood content of the trees did not show a correlation with oil content, dbh and height. However, the oil content was significantly correlated with tree dbh and height. Majority of the trees (62 %) had heartwood essential oil in compliance to ISO standards; only a 31 % of the total sampled trees had the essential oil content above 2 % (w/w). Dry mountainous Badulla district had the highest percentage of trees complying the ISO standards. These findings are vital for identifying suitable sources for agroforestry propagation of S. album.     

A review of heartwood properties of Tectona grandis trees from fast-growth plantations

Teak (Tectona grandis L. f) has been introduced to reforestation programs in many tropical countries for timber production. The use of teak plantations has changed the supply from large-diameter logs to small-diameter logs featuring a higher proportion of juvenile wood and more knots. Generally, the teak from fast-growth plantation is harvested after 15–30 years of growth, with logs ranging from 12 to 30 cm in diameter. The goal of this work was to review the factors that influence the heartwood formation, variation, quality, color, and durability in teak and to understand which factors should be controlled in fast-growth plantations. Important factors in the heartwood properties of teak trees from fast-growth plantations are as follows: the tree age, longitudinal variation, geographic location, environmental conditions, and silvicultural activities. These factors influence heartwood extractive content, color variation, and durability.     

Tree growth-competition relationships in thinned Eucalyptus plantations vary with stand structure and site quality

Growth responses to thinning can vary with site quality and age, however, the direction of the response varies. An understanding of the mechanisms behind thinning responses could help forest managers optimise production as well as inform modellers and ecologists about the functioning of tree stands. Thinning was used to create a range of stand densities in eleven Eucalyptus plantation stands on seven sites in south-eastern Australia. Basal area periodic annual increment (PAI; cm² year^?1) of individual dominant and codominant trees was then related to competition, such that PAI = a + b ln(Competition). Competition was defined as the sum of the basal area of neighbouring trees within a radius of 6.5 m. The relative (%) and absolute (cm² year^?1) responses to competition were quantified using b, which was correlated with site quality and stand structure of unthinned stands. Stand structure was quantified using statistics or parameters that describe the diameter distribution for the given age, species and site, including skewness, the coefficient of variation and parameters of the Weibull probability distribution. Relative and absolute responses both increased with increasing site quality and in stands with more negatively skewed diameter distributions (higher proportion of larger trees) or lower coefficients of variation. Absolute thinning responses often increased with increasing size class, while relative thinning responses often decreased. Variables describing diameter distributions (size-class structure) were able to describe some of the variation in competition responses that site quality could not. This indicates why stands on similar site qualities but with different stand structures can have correspondingly different thinning responses. Stand structural variables may be more useful predictors of thinning responses in stands that experience large temporal changes in diameter distributions compared with site quality, which is a more static variable. Thus, knowledge about the development of diameter distributions might help to refine thinning regimes.     

Heartwood/sapwood variation of western redcedar as influenced by cultural treatments and position in tree

We studied heartwood and sapwood variation in western redcedar (Thuja plicata) at three sites, including a 95-year-old naturally regenerated, unmanaged stand, a 35-year-old planted spacing trial, and a 30-year-old naturally regenerated stand to which thinning and fertilization treatments had been applied. In the 95-year-old stand, we studied within-tree variation in heartwood and sapwood. In the thinning/fertilization trial and the planted spacing trial, we studied effects of cultural practices and growth rate on heartwood and sapwood. In the trees that we studied, sapwood width was generally fairly narrow, rarely exceeding 3.5 cm. Heartwood formation in western redcedar appeared to begin at a relatively small stem diameter (7 cm) and at a young age, probably 10–15 years. The amount and proportion of heartwood increased with distance downward from the top of the tree, with the implication that older trees will contain a greater proportion of heartwood than younger trees. For any given age, it appears that cultural treatments that favor rapid growth will result in stems with greater amounts of both sapwood and heartwood, and a greater proportion of heartwood.     

Comparison of allometric equations and biomass expansion factors for six evergreen broad-leaved trees in subtropical forests in southern Korea

This study was conducted to compare the allometric equations and biomass expansion factors (BEFs) of six dominant evergreen broad-leaved trees (Camellia japonica L, Castanopsis sieboldii Hatus, Quercus acuta Thunb, Q. glauca Thunb, Machilus thunbergii S. et Z., and Neolitsea sericea Koidz) in subtropical forests. A total of 86 trees were destructively sampled to quantify the aboveground biomass of each tree component (i.e., leaves, branches, and stem). Species-specific or generalized allometric equations and species-dependent BEFs were developed for each tree component of the six broad-leaved forest trees. Species-specific allometric equations were significant (P < 0.05), with the diameter at breast height (DBH) accounting for 68–99% of the variation, whereas generalized allometric equations explained 64–96% of the variation. The values of stem density ranged broadly from 0.49 g cm^?3 for C. sieboldii to 0.79 g cm^?3 for Q. glauca, with a mean value of 0.68 g cm^?3. The BEFs were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for C. sieboldii (1.25) than for M. thunbergii (2.02). Stem density and aboveground BEFs had a significant negative relationship with tree ages. The results indicate that species-specific allometric equations and species-dependent BEFs are applicable for obtaining accurate biomass estimates of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests.     

Variation in wood density and ring width in Acacia melanoxylon at four sites in Portugal

The radial variation in wood density in Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. was studied using microdensitometry by sampling 20 trees with a 40-cm diameter class at four sites in Portugal. The measurements were taken from pith to bark at breast height. A. melanoxylon had an average ring density of 0.607 g cm^?3, ranging from 0.556 to 0.630 g cm^?3. The mean growth was 6.0 mm year^?1. Latewood corresponded, on average, to 34 % of the ring width. Between-tree variability at each site was the main source of variation in the density components, representing between 30 and 54 % of the total variation. Between-sites variability represented from 0 to 21 % of the total variation in density components. The environmental effects (site related) were more pronounced on latewood, while the genetic effect (tree related) was more evident in earlywood. Ring width, latewood percentage and heterogeneity index were independent from site, trees in site and age effects. The values of wood density and radial growth revealed that A. melanoxylon can be important as a commercial timber species in Portugal.     

Stand characteristics of mixed oriental beech (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus orientalis</Emphasis> Lipsky) stands in the stem exclusion phase,northern Iran

The structure of forest stands changes through developmental phases. This study is carried out in the unmanaged, oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands in the north of Iran. The aim of this research was to quantify structural characteristics of stands in the stem exclusion phase using common structural indices, which include mingling, tree–tree distance, stem diameter, and tree height differentiation. According to our measurements from three stands, naturally regenerated stands tend to be mixed in species composition have slightly heterogeneous diameter distributions and uniform tree height. The average distance between trees was 3.3 m. Stocking volume of the stands had an average of 540 m³ ha^?1 and 412 stem ha^?1. Dead wood volume was 24 m³ ha^?1, and as a standing volume, the most frequent species in dead wood pool was oriental beech (F. orientalis) (48 %). The common form of dead trees was snag (41 %). The mean value of mingling and tree-to-tree interval indices revealed that beech was mixed intensively with hornbeam and appears to be a more successful competitor for space and light compared with hornbeam; moreover, we found relatively high evidence of inter-species competition in this phase. A better understanding of stand characteristics in the stem exclusion phase as a critical part of the natural dynamics of forest ecosystems could facilitate predictions about the future changes within the stand.     

Relationship between <Superscript>137</Superscript>Cs concentration and potassium content in stem wood of Japanese cedar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>)

To utilize forest resources in areas affected by fallout from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, it is important to understand the mechanisms of ¹³⁷Cs movement through the stem wood of contaminated trees. Understanding the mechanism of absorption and migration of ¹³⁷Cs to stem wood is necessary for clues to the future prediction of the transition of ¹³⁷Cs to xylem. In the present study, radial variations in ¹³⁷Cs concentration were investigated in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) trees collected 1 year and 10 months after the accident. Additionally, the relationship between ¹³⁷Cs concentration and potassium (K) content was established. Trees with a higher moisture content and lower lightness value in heartwood tended to have a higher ¹³⁷Cs concentration in the heartwood. In these trees, ¹³⁷Cs concentration peaked at the heartwood–sapwood boundary and gradually decreased toward the pith. By contrast, K content within the heartwood remained nearly constant along the radial direction. The heartwood-to-sapwood ratio of ¹³⁷Cs concentration was significantly positively correlated with that of K content. Based on these results, we suggest that ¹³⁷Cs movement from sapwood to heartwood might be related to the K content ratio of heartwood and sapwood.     

红豆树等6种珍贵用材树种的生长特性和材性分析

利用浙江龙泉和庆元两地在较好立地上营造的21 36年生红豆树、江南油杉、伯乐树、闽楠、刨花楠和乐东拟单性木兰6种珍贵用材树种的片林,以研究其生长、干形和木材基本密度的变化规律。研究结果表明,红豆树是一个树高和胸径生长量大、径生长速生持续期长、木材基本密度中等及其径向均匀性较高的珍贵用材树种,平均年轮宽度达到0.8 1.2 cm,36年生时按宽度和面积计算心材比例分别为60.57%和37.47%。因红豆树分叉干特性明显,在栽植的第2年就应及时修枝抹芽和施肥,以培育树干通直、心材比例高的优质干材。江南油杉和闽楠等其它5种珍贵用材树种皆较少分叉干,其树干通直。闽楠以材质优良而闻名,木材密度中等,虽然其生长速度较慢,但生长势很强,年生长量稳定,加之树冠窄小,适宜长周期大径材的培育;伯乐树生长速度中等,木材密度略低,但其径向均匀性较高,宜作为优质的工艺材来培育;树冠窄小的乐东拟单性木兰生长速度中等,但其木材密度大、径向均匀性高,是优良的珍贵用材树种;江南油杉是个早期生长快而后期生长慢,木材密度中等的针叶树种,可通过加强经营管理延长速生期和提高木材密度的径向均匀性;刨花楠虽然生长速度中等,但其木材密度却较低,浸水有粘液,不宜作为珍贵用材树种培育。     

Scaling-up from tree to stand transpiration for a warm-temperate multi-specific broadleaved forest with a wide variation in stem diameter

Previous studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree transpiration (Q _T) in multi-specific broadleaved forests. However, these studies were conducted with a limited range of tree sizes and species, and thus many multi-specific broadleaved forests fall outside these conditions. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between DBH and Q _T in a warm-temperate multi-specific broadleaved forest (n = 12 species) with a wide range of tree sizes (5.0–70.0 cm DBH) using the Granier-type heat dissipation method. The results showed that, although sap flow density varied between individual trees and species, there was a significant relationship between log Q _T and log DBH (r ² = 0.66, P < 0.001) because of the strong dependence of sapwood area on DBH. This study confirmed the applicability of the relationship for the stand transpiration (E _C) estimates even in a multi-specific broadleaved forest with a wide variation in DBH. Our results also revealed that selecting the sample trees in descending order of DBH effectively reduced potential errors in E _C estimates for a specific sample size, as larger trees contribute more to E _C. This information should be useful for future studies investigating the transpiration of multi-specific broadleaved forests, reducing errors during the scaling-up procedure.     

Variations of wood basic density with tree age and social classes in the axial direction within Pinus massoniana stems in Southern China

Context

Reliable estimates of wood density (WD) within individual trees could maximize the value of Pinus massoniana for specific end-use.

Aim

We examined and quantified the axial patterns of WD in trees with different social status in the stands.

Methods

Wood disks were sampled at the bottom, breast height, and middle of each 1-m sections from 108 stems, harvesting from three social classes in subtropical forests. A mixed-effects model was designed to quantify axial variation.

Results

The WD at different height was significantly different from the whole-stem WD (WWD) except the relative height of 0.1. An overall decrease of 133.8 kg m^?3 in WD was found from stem base to top. WD was significantly influenced by relative heights, tree age, and social class. WD of each relative height in mature trees was significantly higher than that of younger trees. Tree social class can affect WD development in the axial direction at age classes 2 and 3. Combining the fixed plus random effects, the final model explained 91 % of the observed variation in WD.

Conclusion

The WD development patterns in the axial direction vary considerably among tree age, diameter at breast height, and social class. To distinguish and supply timber for specific end-uses, we should use the axial variation in disk WD (DWD) instead of WWD directly. The accurate predictions of WD provided by the model could be used to optimally classify logs into different product classes and maximize economic benefits. We can use DWD at the relative height of 0.1 instead of WWD of a single tree.