Do the Growing Conditions of Trees Influence the Wood Properties?

Abstract

Currently, there is a little and sparse information about how the growing conditions influence the spatial variation of wood along the stem. Thus, the aim of this study was to compile the knowledge from literature in a manuscript for better understanding to what extent the growing conditions influence the spatial variation of wood properties in Eucalyptus plantations. The wood characteristics may present variations in their properties and can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. However, how genetic and environmental factor acts on wood variation along the trunk is still unclear. Another point is that even with new genetic breeding programs, the mechanical properties of wood have not been considered in these programs, since the selection of new material is always based on the growing rate, cellulose and lignin content and wood density.

Mechanical performance of Scots pine wood from northwestern Poland – A case study

“…Notably, however, not all wood is suitable for every application. Wood properties depend on genetic factors, tree age, and the growing conditions of the trees (e.g., type of soil, water and nutrient availability, temperature, insolation, spacing between trees, and presence of other tree species) (Mederski et al 2015;Rocha et al 2019). Therefore, recognizing use-values of wood from different types of forest stands is of particular practical importance, because sustainable management of forests and wood is a key factor of an effective economy and mitigation of climate change (Eriksson et al 2012;Canadell and Schulze 2014).…”

Modelo matemático para predecir las propiedades físicas en madera de <i>Eucalyptus nitens</i> para diferentes alturas y edades del árbol

“…También, a la relación entre la madera inicial y tardía (LEANDRO et al, 2008). Con respecto a este comportamiento, Igartúa et al (2002), Rocha et al (2019), evidenciaron que los Eucalyptus aumentan su densidad con el incremento de la altura del árbol, presentando en algunos casos una disminución cerca del DAP. Esta variabilidad se debe según Malan y Hoon (1992) y Rocha et al (2019), a la proporción entre la madera adulta y madera juvenil.…”

“…Con respecto a este comportamiento, Igartúa et al (2002), Rocha et al (2019), evidenciaron que los Eucalyptus aumentan su densidad con el incremento de la altura del árbol, presentando en algunos casos una disminución cerca del DAP. Esta variabilidad se debe según Malan y Hoon (1992) y Rocha et al (2019), a la proporción entre la madera adulta y madera juvenil. En este sentido, existe amplio consenso en los efectos negativos de la madera juvenil sobre las propiedades físicas y mecánicas de la madera, la cual se relaciona con una menor densidad y resistencia mecánica, fibras de menor longitud y un elevado ángulo microfibrilar en comparación a la madera madura, los que reducen la calidad y el rendimiento productivo de la madera procesada.…”

The Influence of Scots Pine Log Type (Pinus sylvestris L.) on the Mechanical Properties of Lumber

“…Thorough knowledge of wood quality is crucial to rationalise wood usefulness processes, which is needed to assign timber to the end uses required by customers. The properties of wood can differ within the same species, depending on genetic factors, habitat conditions, and tree age, as well as the type of log (butt, middle, top) from which timber for a specific application will finally be sawn [2][3][4][5]. For this reason, it is of utmost practical importance to recognize the usage value of wood from different habitats, because sustainable forest and tree management is an essential factor of an effective economy and can contribute to attenuating climate change [6,7].…”