Abstract
Aim of study: Determining the main physical and mechanical properties of Spanish juniper wood from Soria (Spain) considering the effects of heartwood formation and the presence of defects and imperfections; and comparing the resulting characteristics with similar existing data for other regional softwood species of commercial interest. Area of study: Berlanga de Duero (Soria, Castilla y León), Spain.Material and Methods: Wood physico-mechanical performance was determined by Spanish UNE standards in order to provide proper comparisons to other regional softwood species. An individual tree representing average plot characteristics was selected in all eight 10 m radius circular plots that were established well-representing the heterogeneity of this woodland. The age of every tree was determined reading the number of growth rings at the base of each sampled tree. Every physico-mechanical property was assessed at least 4 times for every wood sample type (sapwood and heartwood, whether clear or with the presence of defects) of each tree. Two-way ANOVA was run to assess significant differences in the results. Post hoc all pairwise comparisons were performed using Tukey's test (p < 0.05).Research highlights: Spanish juniper wood resulted harder than other regional commercial conifers, and showed semi-heavyweight heartwood and lightweight sapwood; whereas shrinkage figures remarked its great dimensional stability. The high presence of knots within heartwood made it even heavier, harder, and more resistant to compression parallel to grain. A commercial use of this rare precious wood may contribute to juniper forests preservation in the frame of forest sustainable management plans. Key words: heartwood effect; Juniperus thurifera L.; physico-mechanical wood properties; wood classification; wood defects.
Highlights
Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.), which is a species considered as very resistant to adverse environments (Bertaudière et al, 2001), makes up one of the most common forests on the Iberian Peninsula
Material and Methods: Wood physico-mechanical performance was determined by Spanish UNE standards in order to provide proper comparisons to other regional softwood species
Every physico-mechanical property was assessed at least 4 times for every wood sample type of each tree
Summary
Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera L.), which is a species considered as very resistant to adverse environments (Bertaudière et al, 2001), makes up one of the most common forests on the Iberian Peninsula. From the point of view of wood market and industrial applications, juniper wood has not been assessed of great interest as timber, there have been local primary processing industries interested on its cultivation due to its desirable odour, beautiful colour, and proved very high durability in the open (Peraza, 1964; Lucas, 1998). Regional and private institutions have been recently involved in the promotion of sharing information regarding the performance of juniper species in order to enhance management and conservation policies, promoting local wood processing and crafts factories (CESEFOR, 2006) Considering this framework, the main scope of this research initiative was setting a sound reference for the physical and mechanical performance of Spanish juniper wood. Achieving certif ication from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has been considered determinant to overcome reluctances to use this wood
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.