Abstract
This study compares the quality of wood from two distinct sites in the Czech Republic—from former afforested agricultural land and forest land. We compared the properties of Norway spruce wood (Picea abies Karst.) and Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.), the most important domestic tree species, to Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco), a North American tree species and a potential substitute for the domestic spruce. Wood density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and impact bending strength were the properties tested that were used for comparing tree species. Without taking into consideration the site, the highest density values from the tested tree species were obtained for Douglas fir (0.568 g·cm−3), followed by the pine (0.508 g·cm−3) and the spruce (0.463 g·cm−3). The Douglas fir also dominated in the remaining assessed properties, whilst the influence of site was not confirmed, with the exception of MOE and MOR, and only for the Douglas fir wood, wherein higher values were obtained for forest land. In terms assessed Douglas fir properties, it exceeds the domestic softwoods and represents a possible suitable replacement for them. The site only plays a role in terms of the Douglas fir, and only for certain properties.
Highlights
As in other European countries, the afforested area is increasing steadily in the Czech Republic.It has increased from approximately 25% to 34% at present since midway through the 18th century.After medieval deforestation, large areas were reforested again for production purposes
The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of Douglas fir wood growing on a site formerly used as agricultural land
The highest wood density value was exhibited by Douglas fir for both of the assessed sites, followed by the pine, while the lowest density value was obtained by the spruce for both sites
Summary
As in other European countries, the afforested area is increasing steadily in the Czech Republic.It has increased from approximately 25% to 34% at present since midway through the 18th century.After medieval deforestation, large areas were reforested again for production purposes. As in other European countries, the afforested area is increasing steadily in the Czech Republic. It has increased from approximately 25% to 34% at present since midway through the 18th century. Czech Republic, and it has the highest production potential among the native and introduced tree species [3]. It very often represents planted and cultivated species, especially in France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom [4]. Afforestation of agricultural lands constitutes a serious change in Forests 2018, 9, 13; doi:10.3390/f9010013 www.mdpi.com/journal/forests
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