Thinning Influence on Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco Wood Characteristics in Two Casentino Plantations

1989

2 Abb., 2 Tab., 7 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

4341

200033990

Research has been carried out on the influence of thinnings on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations. From the two considered sites, Campamoli and Montalto, 24 and 12 trees were taken, respectively, half the plants coming from unthinned plantations (control), and the other half from stands submitted to selective crown thinning. No influence on wood quality characteristics (basic density and volumetric skrinkage) was observed, while an effect not well defined but rather considerable from the quantitative point of view was recorded on the stam habit, thinned trees proving higher values as regards tapering and the elliptic form. Moreover, thinned trees showed a higher bark content than controls'. An assessment of the obtainable volumes to be used as sawn timber stressed that only a small number of the sampled trees could provide suitable timber material. Further and more accurate investigations will be needed to better define the quality and the assortments from the material coming from thinning operations.