Growth and modulus of elasticity of selected pine species and hybrids three years after planting in South Africa

Growth data and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 11 different pine species and hybrids were examined at six sites in three different regions in South Africa. Tests were measured approximately three years after planting. Growth traits and three different MOE variables were assessed in order to see i...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor principal: Nilsson, Oscar
Formato: Second cycle, A2E
Lenguaje:sueco
Inglés
Publicado: 2014
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://stud.epsilon.slu.se/6549/
Descripción
Sumario:Growth data and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 11 different pine species and hybrids were examined at six sites in three different regions in South Africa. Tests were measured approximately three years after planting. Growth traits and three different MOE variables were assessed in order to see if there were pine species more suitable than the current commercial species. Average survival across sites was 61.8 % and varied from 26.4 % to 87.8 %. Most sites exhibited significant species differences for growth traits. There were significant interaction effects for species within the regions for growth traits. There were significant species differences for all three MOE variables at all of the four sites that were included in the analysis of wood properties. When combining the four sites that were used for the wood property analyses, there were significant species differences for the three different MOE variables. Across all four sites where wood properties were analyzed the MOE variable ranged from 3.03 to 6.40 GPa. Based on the results from this study, despite the high mortality rates that were experienced on many sites, there are alternative pine species that are showing comparable growth rates to the current commercial species. For approximating MOE, it is concluded that assuming a constant green density does not affect the species ranking but if the aim is to find the “true” MOE, sampling in the field is needed.