Variability in density of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) wood with the presence of reaction wood

Abstract

The study was aimed to assess the integral value that determines wood properties - wood density at a moisture content of 0% and 12%. The wood density was researched in a sample tree with the presence of reaction compression wood. The density was determined for individual zones (CW, OW, SWL and SWR). The zone where compression wood (CW) is present has a higher density than the remaining zones. On the basis of the acquired data, 3D models were created for individual zones; they describe the variability of wood density along the stem radius and stem height. The influence of the radius seems to be a statistically highly significant factor. The wood density is significantly higher in samples with the presence of compression wood. When the proportion of compression wood in the sample was 80%, the wood density was 1.5 times higher compared to wood without compression wood.

Keywords

• spruce
• density
• compression wood