A. Study of Compression Wood in Scots Pine (Pinus silvestris L.): With I Plate

The incidence of compression wood was studied in 24–40-year-oldScots pine plantations. It was found that compression wood distributionin trees depended on type of stem curvature and was associatedwith their attempts to correct stem inclination. Compressionwood volume percentage was not closely related to extent ofstem curvature but was highly correlated with compression woodpercentage in the tree at breast height or 10 feet. There wassignificantly less compression wood near the butt than at higherlevels. In stands examined, compression wood formed 20–40per cent, of the standing volume. The prevailing wind appearedlargely responsible for the initial development of stem inclinationand consequent compression wood formation. Provision of shelterduring establishment should reduce compression wood developmentin second rotation crops.