Relationship between the xylem maturation process based on radial variations in wood properties and radial growth increments of stems in a fast-growing tree species, Liriodendron tulipifera

Abstract

Promoting wood utilization from fast-growing tree species is one solution to address supply and demand issues relating to wood resources while sequestering carbon dioxide in large quantities. Information on the quality of wood from fast-growing tree species and its relationship with changes in stem size is essential for promoting the establishment of plantations and wood utilization of fast-growing tree species. To explore the relationship between the xylem maturation process and radial growth increments of stems in fast-growing tree species, we examined radial variations in annual ring widths and wood properties in Liriodendron tulipifera in Japan. The cambial ages at which current annual increment and mean annual increment values were greatest were 4.9 years and 7.4 years, respectively. Based on radial variations evaluated by mixed-effects modeling of wood properties, all properties increased or decreased near the pith before becoming stable towards the cambium. Changing ratios of multiple wood properties at 1-year intervals became stable after a cambial age of 9 years. These results point to an ecological strategy in L. tulipifera, in which there is a tradeoff between radial growth increments and wood properties. As part of this strategy, in response to competition among individual trees within a stand, the tree produces a large volume of xylem with lower physical and mechanical properties, allowing it to increase its volume faster than that of the surrounding trees. Subsequently, it produces xylem that is more stable, with greater physical and mechanical properties. This wood forms at a slower growth rate compared to the xylem that forms at the time of initial tree growth. Based on the ecological strategy adopted by L. tulipifera, wood that forms before a cambial age of 9 years can be used for utility applications, and wood that forms after a cambial age of 9 years can be used for structural applications.