Wood quality of coppiced Eucalyptus tereticornis for value addition

Abstract

The anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of non-coppiced and coppiced (after first felling) wood of Eucalyptus tereticornis were studied to evaluate their quality and to recommend it for various end uses. The pith to periphery variation in specific gravity, fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, double wall thickness, vessel diameter and vessel element length were investigated in both types of wood. Correlation coefficients between anatomical characteristics and specific gravity and among anatomical characteristics were established. The results of physical and mechanical properties indicate that the timber from both non-coppiced and coppiced wood can be classified as very heavy, strong, tough, very hard but liable to warp and crack badly. The studies suggest that there is no significant difference in anatomical and mechanical properties of non-coppiced and coppiced wood suggesting their timbers can be utilized for similar purposes.