Specific density and caloric value of the trunk wood of white birch, black cherry, and sugar maple and their relation to forest succession

Abstract

Studies in the specific density and caloric level per unit volume of trunk wood of three deciduous tree species of differing successional positions support the thesis that tree wood properties are related to the differing successional positions of trees. White birch, (Betulapapyrifera Marsh.), black cherry (Prunusserotina Ehrh.), and sugar maple (Acersaccharum Marsh.) were chosen as being characteristic of early, middle and late stages in forest succession. Wood cores were taken for these species from three different stands in southern Ontario and specific density, calorie value, and caloric level per unit volume were determined.Sugar maple had a higher specific density and caloric value than black cherry or white birch but only small differences were evident between black cherry and white birch. Specific density was found to be the least variable measure, but caloric level per unit volume was also useful, although less accurate. These latter estimates proved to be indicative of the successional positions of the three species.