Abstract
Aim of the study: This paper aims to valorize the wood of Quercus faginea Lam. for high quality end uses (e.g. furniture) by studying growth and quality properties using mature trees. Age trends in tree-ring width and wood density are shown and the main factors responsible for variations in tree-ring width and wood density within and between trees are investigated. Area of study: The study site is in the center of Portugal within the natural species distribution area.Material and methods: Radial samples from ten mature trees were collected at 6 heights (from base to 9.7 m) and prepared for X-ray microdensity.Main results: Wood density showed high values, ranging from 0.868 g/cm3 to 0.957 g/cm3. Wood density decreased from pith to bark and with stem height. Cambial age showed a linear relationship with wood density and most of the variation in wood is explained by age. Intra-ring and axial within-tree homogeneity was good.Research highlights: Mature trees of Q. faginea showed high wood density and a high potential for high quality end uses, comparable to other oaks. Wood density is influenced by cambial age and tree-ring width. Wood quality may be improved by tree growth rates adjustment e.g. through an adequate tree stand density (e.g. thinning operations).
Highlights
Oak wood is a highly prized wood for a wide variety of valued products, such as indoor flooring, furniture, and cabinets, due to its strong textural features, density and mechanical properties
Between-tree variation of ring width showed higher ring-to-ring fluctuations compared to height level differences (Table 3, Figure 2)
It is interesting to note that the average dbh of the studied trees is in line with Loewenstein et al (2000) age models for white oaks under a managed uneven-aged oak forest
Summary
Oak wood is a highly prized wood for a wide variety of valued products, such as indoor flooring, furniture, and cabinets, due to its strong textural features, density and mechanical properties. In central Europe, native oaks such as Quercus robur and Q. petraea are the most frequently studied in relation to wood anatomical characteristics and properties due to their present market value (Portuguese or Lusitanian oak) is native to the Iberian Peninsula and Maghreb Africa and its wood was used in the past in industry such as shipbuilding. Intensive exploitation and replacement by plantation species such as Pinus pinaster and Eucalyptus globulus have led to declining areas, abandonment of silvicultural management and low value wood utilization, meaning nowadays that it is mainly used as fuel. Valorization of Q. faginea wood is important in this context contributing to fight species’ decline by giving an economic value for such potential multifunctional forests that will go beyond conservation (Habitat Directive)
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