Selected properties of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The paper deals with the variability of tree-ring width, with the density and swelling (volumetric swelling and swelling in individual anatomical directions) of wood from two different locations. Further, the variability of the explored properties along the stem radius is researched. The ring analyses show that the ring width decreases along the stem radius from the pith to the stem outer perimeter. Location 2 (a lower altitudinal vegetation zone) had on average wider rings (a statistically insignificant difference), higher density and higher volumetric swelling of wood in comparison with location 1 (a statistically significant difference). The relation between volumetric swelling and wood density has been confirmed. The results show that the wood density and its volumetric swelling change along the stem radius. With the increasing wood density the volumetric swelling also increases. The average density of beech wood from both locations is 752 kg/m 3 with moisture content of 12%.Keywords: beech wood; ring width; density; swelling J. FOR. SCI., 54, 2008 (9): 418-425 419ject to dimensional changes. The changes in the wood moisture content above the hygroscopicity limits (change in free water content) have no significant effect on the changes in dimensions. The shrinkage and swelling (the release or the absorption of bound water) are localized in the cell wall where parting (the process of swelling) or closing (the process of shrinkage) of fibrils in the fibrillar structure occurs. In linear swelling and shrinkage, the anisotropic character is demonstrated by different values in individual directions. The change in dimensions is the smallest in the longitudinal direction -0.1-0.4%. In the transversal direction the wood swells and shrinks more, in the radial direction it is by 3-6%, in the tangential direction by 6-12%. The swelling in individual anatomical directions can be expressed by the following ratio: αt:αr:αl = 20:10:1 (Niemz 1993; Požgaj et al. 1993;Niemz, Sonderegger 2003).The present paper deals with the variability of ring width, with the density and swelling of beech wood in dependence on the locations of different altitudinal vegetation zones. Another aim was to examine the ring width, density distribution and wood swelling along the stem radius. MATERIAL AND METHODSTwo locations were chosen for sampling. Both of them are in the cadastral area of the Rajnochovice village. They are contained within Natural Forest Area 41 -the Hostýn-Vsetín Highlands and the Javorník Highlands -and within the supra-regional biocentre Kelečský Javorník. Location No. 1 -stand 102 B 06The total area of the stand is 11.4 ha. The area is a 12.5° (27%) slope oriented towards the north or north-west. The average altitude is 560 m above sea level. The forest is structured into groups. The dominant tree species is European beech (Fagus sylvatica) -55%, there is a smaller proportion of Norway spruce (Picea abies) -40%, an admixed tree species is ash (Fraxinus excelsior), disseminated tree species are sycamore (Acer pseud...

Measured temperature and moisture profiles during thermal modification of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) wood

“…tance moisture meter, FMD6 Brookhuis, and kiln drying). Density (ρ 0 ) was measured after a 24-h drying period at 103°C ± 2°C (Vavrčík and Gryc 2012), resulting in 696 kg m -3 (beech) and 439 kg m -3 (spruce wood) which is in agreement with observations from other authors (Gryc et al 2011, Gryc et al 2008). …”

Variation of wood density in Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) grown in the Czech Republic

“…The study of Kord et al (2010) reported a pattern of increasing wood density from the pith to the bark for Populus euramericana. On the other hand, Gryc et al (2008b) found a downward trend in that direction for European beech. In the case of willow, no impact of the horizontal position in a stem on the wood density value was confirmed (SennerbyForsse 1989).…”

Curative Powers of Bach Remedies: A Review

“…31 Vine [61] Vitis vinifera Phenols, flavonols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase 32 Walnut [62] Juglans nigra quinones, oils, tannins; nuts contain essential fatty acids, including cis-linoleic and alfa-linolenic, Nucin or Juglon 33 White Chestnut [63] Aesculus hippocastanum Quercetin and kaempferol, polyphenols 34 Wild Oat [64,65] Bromus ramosus Avenanthramides, saponins, phytoalexin and flavonoids such as vitexin and isovitexin 35 Wild Rose [66,67] Rosa canina Vitamin C, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids 36 Willow [68,69] Salix …”