Alternative methods for nondestructively determining modulus of elasticity in young trees

Abstract

Several nondestructive technologies are briefly described that can examine wood modulus of elasticity (MOE) variation in young trees. In genetic trials nondestructive sampling is often a priority; hence sampling is limited to the use of standing tree acoustic tools or increment cores whose wood properties are subsequently analyzed. If a detailed knowledge of radial variation is required, then SilviScan presents the most suitable option. If the number of trees examined is in the low thousands, then near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy or ultrasonics may be more cost effective than SilviScan. However, information regarding MOE radial variation will be of lower resolution than SilviScan and the estimation of wood properties by NIR spectroscopy relies on suitable calibrations that need to be created and maintained at some expense. If thousands of trees need to be assessed and knowledge of radial variation is not required then time-of-flight (ToF) acoustic instruments are the most suitable.