Wood property variations in an old-crop stand of radiata pine.

Abstract

The study examined 10 52-year-old trees in considerable detail and described variations in moisture content, wood density, and tracheid length. Where meaningful, comparisons were made between properties within trees, between trees, and between density classes (low, medium, and high). An attempt was also made to segregate the trees into major components (sawn timber, pulpwood, and slabwood) and assign values of important wood properties. Basic densities averaged 380 kg/m (range 339 to 419 kg/m) for sawn timber, 412kg/m (364458kg/m) for pulplogs, and 467 kg/m (403-551 kg/m) for slabwood. Tracheid lengths averaged 3.5 mm (3.3-3,8 mm) for pulplogs and 4.0 mm (3.5-4.2 mm) for slabwood.