Scholarly record

TREE DEFECTS IMPACT ON PICEA ABIES (L.) H. KARST STANDS QUALITY

Jeļena Rūba

Abstract

The value of wood is only, if it has good appearance as well as mechanical and physical properties. During tree's life, it is influenced by various factors, the effects of which changes wood properties causing different damage to tree stem. Wood defects are caused by biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Defects of tree stem arising from non-parasitic origin occur on the stems, branches and roots. In total, 86 pure and mixed stands of Norway spruce were surveyed, but this study includes only 11 young forest stands in which tree stem defects were found. For the empirical data collection 42 plots were established in area of 16.6 ha in different Picea abies (L.) H. Karst forest types throughout Latvia. In total 11 young stands (21-40-years-old) were surveyed. Wood defects (sinuosity, double-topand stepson) were found in all stands. Defects were determined by visual assessment of trees. In the sample plot all trees were listed as well as diameter and height of trees were measured. Aim of the study was to determine tree defects and their impact on future Picea abies (L.) H. Karst stands quality. Such wood defects as stem sinuosity and stepson have been found in the stands which also have browsing damage and frost cracks, and in forest massif located next to a various infrastructure objects. That can be considered as one of risk factors. There are significant differences between occurrence of tree defects in different stands (p=0.001<?=0.05).

Publication Impact Profile

• Captures
• Mendeley - Readers: 5

PLUMX see details

DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2018/3.2/s14.131

Publication details

Back to publication list