Biomass conversion and expansion factors in Douglas-fir stands of different planting density: variation according to individual growth and prediction equations

Marziliano, Pasquale A.; Menguzzato, Giuliano; Scuderi, A.; Scalise, Clemente; Coletta, Vittoria

doi:10.5424/fs/2017261-10239

Cited by 1 publication

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References 28 publications

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“…The moderate thinnings not only increase the biomass production of trees [72][73][74], but also improve the wood quality in trees, as highlighted in this study. However, Nakamura [75], using ultrasonically induced waves to assess the wood quality in larch trees, had already observed significant differences in the wave velocity and in MOEd values for forest stands characterized by different density some decades ago.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 51%

Does Thinning Intensity Affect Wood Quality? An Analysis of Calabrian Pine in Southern Italy Using a Non-Destructive Acoustic Method

Russo

Marziliano

Macrì

et al. 2019

Forests

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In the middle of XIX century, Calabrian pine was planted in southern Italy to increase the forest cover in mountainous areas. Many of these forest stands were never managed, since they were considered non-profitable for wood production. Therefore, in order to promote timber value, it is fundamental to study, more deeply, the characteristics and management options for this species. The acoustic technologies applied to predict the mechanical and physical properties of timber are well-established practices in forest research. In this study, we hypothesized that the tree stand density could influence the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd) and, therefore, the future wood quality. We specifically aimed to verify if different management options, when applied, could influence the timber quality of Calabrian pine growing in similar environmental conditions. The study was conducted in the Aspromonte National Park (Calabria, Southern Italy). We derived the MOEd values from data obtained by the acoustic velocity measured through the TreeSonic™ timer. Calabrian pine trees were selected in stands where different intensities of thinning were applied eleven years before this study began (no thinning, thinning 25%, thinning 50%, and thinning 75%). The percentage refers to the number of trees cut with respect to the total number of occurring trees. The analyses were conducted on a total of 804 trees (201 trees for each intensity of thinning). A strong positive correlation was observed between the acoustic velocity, the thinning treatments and diameter at breast height (DBH). The thinning realized at 25% induced better tree wood quality. We also analyzed the best predictors for MOEd estimation, using variables easily measurable in the field, such as tree diameter, tree height, or their transformations (number of trees per hectare, basal area per hectare). We provide, here, a useful tool for predicting the wood stiffness in relation to stand parameters easily measurable in forest inventories.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 51%