K. M. Bhat

Abstract

Three wood properties, viz. ring width, basic density and heartwood percentage were studied in breast height in 102 trees sampled from four plots of8-year-old teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantation in Nilambur (Kerala). Heartwood proportion by volume was only 30%, which is lower than half the value recorded for 51-52-year-old trees grown in the same geographic location. Mean basic density (582 kg//m³) was only about 5% lower than the average density reported for 51-52-year-old trees grown in the same location. On the other hand, the density value is about 6% greater than the recorded for 27-year-old teak grown in Nigeria. Faster growth was associated with higher heartwood percentage while wood density was independent of growth rate.

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K. M. Bhat , K. V. Bhat , T. K. Dhamodaran

Abstract

Wood specific gravity of stem and branches was compared in eleven selected timber species. No significant difference existed between stem and branch values with the exception of cashew and dillenia; the branch wood being heavier in the former and lighter in the latter. Specific gravity of branch wood was correlated with that of stem wood in some species suggesting that at least in certain species stem wood value could be predicted from branch wood specific gravity.

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