Variation of green moisture content and basic density of wood in eucalyptus nitens trees with sawable dimensionss

Abstract

In the present study, the variation of green moisture content and basic density in Eucalyptus nitens trees with sawable dimensions were examined, coming from a plantation of 18 year old, grown at the Biobío region, Chile. Nine trees were randomly selected. From each tree a set of 8 discs were obtained, which represented the following fixed heights: 0,8 m; 3,2 m; 7,0 m; 9,4 m; 15,0 m; 17,4 m; 23,2 m; and 25,6 m. From each disk samples were obtained at 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of the radius, in the North and South cardinal exposures, for the determinations of green moisture content and basic density. The cardinal exposure in the stem was relevant for the green moisture content, but not for the basic density. Significant changes were reported in green moisture content and basic density, with the radial and axial position in the stem. Different patterns of radial variation, of green moisture content and basic density, were found along stem of the tree. The radial changes (in green moisture content and basic density were minors in the upper part of the stem, and the axial changes were minors near to the bark.