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This study presents the effects of moisture variation and the influence of matric suction on the permanent deformation (PD) of three tropical soils with different geological-geotechnical characteristics used in road subgrades in southern Brazil. The experimental programme consisted in determining the soil-water characteristic curves and in dynamic triaxial tests to obtain the PD in different compaction and post-compaction moisture contents. The variation of compaction moisture content caused microstructural changes, influencing the plastic behaviour of soils: the higher the initial moisture content, the greater their accumulated permanent deformations. As expected, the post-compaction moisture variation (wetting process) tended to increase the plastic deformation of materials, evidencing the influence of the suction variation on the performance of the soils studied. In addition, matric suction proved to be the best variable to represent the effects of moisture variation on the plastic behaviour of soils subjected to cyclic loading. Thus, a PD prediction model for tropical soils with the inclusion of this parameter was proposed. The model proved to be highly predictive and may become an important tool to be incorporated into current mechanistic-empirical design methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This papaer studiess the variations in moisture content within and among tree species of Sclerocarya birrea and Anogeissus leiocarpus, as well as the green density of a cubic meter of freshly felled wood from this species. The trees included in this research grew in Western Kordofan State, Sudan. Following their felling, tiny square samples of varying sizes (n=10) were gathered and weighed from each vertical position within the bole length (10, 50, and 90%). The results show that the average MC and the green density of the freshly felled wood were 109.97% and 686 kg/m³ for S. birrea, while the values of A. leiocarpus were 35.55% and 980 kg/m³, respectively. Furthermore, the findings of the analysis of variance revealed that the MC [%] varied significantly only between the tree species. Conversely, there was no significant difference in MC [%] within the vertical positions of the bole length for either species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous non-native tree species are given attention with respect to the reforestation of calamity areas in Europe. Among them, several species may form durable wood which can be used for outdoor applications, but differences in wood durability are expected between original and European growth sites. This study aimed at examining the biological durability against wood-destroying fungi and water permeability of German-grown Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) and Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). The heartwood of both wood species was assigned to durability class 4 (DC 4, less durable) in soil contact and DC 1–4 (very to less durable) against wood-destroying basidiomycetes. However, according to the Meyer-Veltrup model, their material resistance dose was notably higher compared to the reference species Norway spruce (Picea abies), and the resulting service life of above ground structures should be a multiple of the reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the influence of moisture content on wood physical and mechanical properties, the present research analyzed the influence of moisture content variation on Cedrella sp. on 12 strength and stiffness properties, considering 12% moisture content up to Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) were considered. Brazilian Standard consider a correction on wood properties obtained on moisture content different of 12%, reducing the properties. Eight properties from these twelve were significantly influenced by moisture content according to statistical analysis (5% signifi- cance level). ANOVA, Anderson Darling and Multiple Comparison tests were used at 5% significance level. Considering that most of properties were affected by moisture content, the equations to estimate wood properties according to moisture decrease are quite precise, but most of estimations were higher than the experimental values at 12% moisture content, indicating the need of a standard review for such estimators, which may lead to an unsafe timber structure design. For a conclusive consideration of moisture content variation influence on wood products, further researches with other tropical wood species are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technical information on lumber seasoning, moisture content (MC), density, mechanical, workability and chemical characteristics would strongly determine rational utilization of each lumber species. A study was conducted on home-grown two Eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus pilularis and Eucalyptus viminalis) and one indigenous (Trichilia dregeana) timbers with the main objective of determining some characteristics of lumber that will indicate quality and proper utilization. Study species were harvested from Shashemene, Asella and Arjo sites, respectively. The experimental design for seasoning and density was complete randomized design, a factorial experiment. The experiments were conducted using air and kiln seasoning methods. To determine initial moisture content oven drying method was used. The mean initial MC for the three timber species were 48.25%, 56.1% and 65.45%, respectively. The species were classified as very rapid seasoning rate during kiln seasoning. The mean shrinkage values were Tangential (6.31, 4.94 and 4.43%), radial (3.4, 4.02 and 2.10%) volumetric (9.46, 8.6 and 6.37%), when they seasoned from green to 12% MC, respectively. Seasoning defects such as cup, bow, crook, end split, surface and end-checks were observed, though the extent varies with species. The density of E. pilulalris, E. viminalis and T. dregeana at 12% MC was 780, 810 and 530 Kg/m3, respectively. The one-way analysis of variance indicated that there was significant difference (P>0.001) in initial MC, final MC, density values at different MC and shrinkage characteristics. They revealed good lumber characteristics and qualities, comparable with many indigenous and home-grown exotic timber species in density, seasoning rate and shrinkage. The tree species have to be well managed, properly harvested and sawn. Boards have to be properly stacked and seasoned to about 12% MC, with kiln and air seasoning methods that can help to minimize seasoning time, seasoning defects, shrinkage characteristics and increase quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a precise designing of thermal processes, the determination of the thermal properties of foods is necessary. In this study, the thermal properties of barberry puree with five moisture content (25, 30, 35, 40 and 45%), different temperature (25, 35, 45, 50 and 55°C), salt content (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%), and sugar content (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) are measured. Results showed that all factors have a significant effect on the specific heat and thermal conductivity of barberry puree. Observations showed that the increase of temperature and the increase of the moisture content resulted in increasing the special heat of barberry puree. Data showed an inverse relationship between the salt percentage and the sugar content of the barberry puree and the specific heat of this product. According to this study, the thermal conductivity of barberry purée is affected by the salt and sugar percentage added to the formulation. The higher the percentage of added salt or sugar resulted in the reduction of the thermal conductivity of barberry puree. For the prediction of the effect of moisture, temperature, salt and sugar content on specific heat and thermal conductivity, regression models are chosen. The Coefficient of Determination (R2) of the specific heat for temperature, moisture content, salt content and sugar content were 0.908, 0.909, 0.988 and 0.821, respectively. The Coefficient of Determination (R2) of the thermal conductivity for temperature, moisture content, salt content and sugar content were 0.789, 0.938, 0.969 and 0.830, respectively. According to the results, the increase of temperature and moisture content resulted in increasing the magnitude of specific heat and thermal conductivity. Inversely, increasing salt content and sugar content in barberry puree formulation caused decreasing specific heat and thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate whether aging affects moisture exclusion efficiency and crystallinity of thermally modified wood. For this purpose, wood blocks of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and oak (Quercus castanifolia), modified at 180 °C for 3 hours inside a ThermoWood kiln were exposed to a six-cycle artificial aging procedure. Aging reduced the efficiency and crystallinity of the modified woods. A significant negative correlation was found between the wood crystallinity and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) which indicates that change in the crystallinity index (CrI) measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) affects the affinity of wood to moisture. The increased affinity of the modified wood to moisture after aging is probably due to the leaching of thermal degradation products as observed by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Water has a major influence on wood properties, especially dynamic moisture cycles, which affect the wood in outdoor applications. It is thus important to understand the penetration and distribution of water in wood. In this study, rainfall events were simulated to correspond to water immersion periods of 1 h. Specimens were imaged by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 1 h of immersion. These measurements were used to determine the water distribution in the wood and to elucidate changes during the drying of specimens of five wood species: sweet chestnut heartwood (Castanea sativa), European larch heartwood (Larix decidua), Scots pine heartwood and sapwood (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Both gravimetric and MRI analysis showed that after 1 h of immersion, pine sapwood took up the highest amount of water, followed by spruce wood. Considerably lower moisture contents were determined in pine heartwood, chestnut and larch, which correlated with a lower signal intensity. The outer parts of the specimens exhibited similar patterns with all of the specimens. The most variable results were the moisture content time profiles in the middle part of the specimens. Comparison of the MRI measurements and gravimetrically determined moisture contents during drying validated the MRI measurements and confirmed the method to be suitable for giving comprehensive information about the water drying kinetic.Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wood chips moisture content (MC) is a key parameter for controlling the biofuel product qualities and properties. Since no knowledge-based model is available to recognize MC, machine learning methods are promising techniques to design black-box models for MC prediction or recognition. As wood permittivity strongly changes in the presence of water, an electromagnetic module is used to probe the reflectivity of wood chip piles. In the present paper, the recognition of three wood chip piles of different MC categories is performed using support vector machines (SVMs). SVM-recursive feature elimination is implemented to rank and select reflection coefficients to design optimized linear SVM classifiers that attribute MC class of wood chips in a pile. Experiments show that the proposed approach is effective and requires a limited computational power. The global classification performance exceeds 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the properties of wood flour/high-density polyethylene composites (WF/HDPE) filled with different kinds of mineral components (CaCO3, talc powder, and wollastonite), WF/HDPE was prepared via a molding method. The thermal properties of WF/HDPE were analyzed with a comprehensive thermal analyzer, and the mechanical properties were measured. The moisture resistance was indicated by 24 h water absorption. The results indicated that both the mechanical and physical properties of WF/HDPE samples were improved remarkably by adding CaCO3, talc powder, or wollastonite. The tensile strength with talc powder was 83% higher than the composites without the additive. The maximum residual weight of the composites with added talc powder was 21.8% at 600°C, which was 7.47% higher than that of the composites without additive. The composites with added talc powder exhibited better water resistance. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the addition of talc powder enhanced the interaction between the components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serratene triterpenoids are considered chemotaxonomy compounds from the Pinaceae family, within the Pinus genus. However, no studies have been conducted on the constituents of serratene triterpenoids of Pinus merkusii. P. merkusii is the only pine species native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the use of triterpenoids and steroids from the bark of P. merkusii as chemotaxonomic biomarkers. Five lipophilic extractives, including three triterpenoids (3β-methoxyserratt-14-en-21-one (C1), 3α,21β- dimethoxy- Δ14-serratene (C3), serrate-14-en-3β,21β-diol (C5)), and two steroids (stigmast-4-en-3-one (C2) and β-sitosterol (C4)), were isolated from the n-hexane extract of the bark of P. merkusii using column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. The structures of the triterpenoids and steroids were characterized on the basis of their spectroscopic data. The discovery of serratene triterpenoids and steroids in P. merkusii bark characterizes this species as being in chemical accordance with other species of the Pinus genus and Pinaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of the plasma treatment were evaluated for particles from winter wheat stalks relative to the properties of particleboards manufactured from such treated particles. Using urea-formaldehyde adhesive, boards with a nominal density of 540 kg/m3 and a thickness of 6 mm were manufactured. Two degrees of plasma treatment were selected: cold plasma applied at atmospheric pressure by jet system, with a generator output voltage of 26.9 V and a current of 6.9 A; and in the second treatment, a maximum voltage of 28.6 V was used with a current of 8.7 A. The physical properties (equilibrium moisture content and thickness swelling depending on relative humidity) and mechanical properties (bending strength and tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the board) were determined. The results showed that the plasma pre-treatment of particles had a statistically significant effect on the resulting composite properties. The mechanical properties of the boards increased with both plasma treatments, but the physical properties changed negatively. Boards manufactured from particles treated with a higher degree of plasma treatment resulted in significantly higher equilibrium moisture contents and thickness swelling than the reference boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of sample preparation including variation in moisture content and particle size on the accuracy of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy models developed to predict Klason lignin, total lignin, and holocellulose in wood. Seventy-five samples of sawdust obtained from a eucalyptus plantation were divided into aliquots and submitted to three different treatments: traditional (TRAD), large particle dried at room temperature (LPRT), and large particle oven-dried (LPOD). The influence of sample preparation method on models' accuracy was compared by statistical analysis. Overall, grinding to a larger particle size and drying at room temperature (treatment LPRT) did not decrease the accuracy of the prediction models when compared to the TRAD sample preparation method. These findings were more evident for Klason lignin and holocellulose. This is relevant because resources used for sample preparation (i.e. grinding and drying) can be minimized, which is expected to reduce the costs associated with analysis of wood properties by NIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood collapse-shrinkage is a severe defect that occurs in Eucalyptus timber during drying. To solve this problem and provide the technical support for the Eucalyptus application as high value-added wood products, Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis samples were pre-treated by ultrasound at 400 W power for 1, 3, or 6 h and then dried in the kiln. The effects of ultrasound pre-treatment on drying rates, residual stress, and total shrinkage after kiln drying were investigated. The results indicated that ultrasound pre-treatment increased drying rates, which was increased by 5%, 13%, and 11% when moisture content (MC) was above 24%MC according to the treating duration, and below 24%MC, which were increased by 25%, 28%, and 23%. Drying rate increased below 24% MC. The residual stress decreased during the later drying stage, especially for the condition of 3 h of ultrasound pre-treatment compared with the untreated samples, while it increased in the early stage of the drying process. The total shrinkage decreased after ultrasound pretreatment, and it decreased 14.9% after 3 h pre-treatment. Ultrasound pre-treatment broke the pit membranes and modified the microstructures of the wood. The microstructure changes not only affect the drying rate, but also affect the developing of stress and strain, collapse, and its recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by stiffness difference in the “sandwich structure” of earlywood and latewood, surface-densified (SD) plywood was manufactured based on a hydro-thermal approach. A series of veneer moisture contents (MCs) and hot-pressing temperatures were selected to prepare the SD plywood. Great surface densification was observed according to density distribution through plywood thickness. The densification was attributed to the thermal softening and mechano-sorptive behavior of constituents in the wood cell wall. A greater degree of surface densification could be achieved at higher hot-pressing temperatures or higher surface veneer MCs. Final MCs of the SD plywood met the requirement of the Chinese national standard. No significant variation was observed for the bonding strength among SD and control (CK) plywood. Mechanical properties – including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and hardness – of the SD plywood were significantly higher than the CK plywood. The enhancements of MOR, MOE and hardness could be attributed to its high-density surfaces. The greatest increment of MOR, MOE and hardness was 54, 104 and 144%, respectively. Comparing to some domestic Chinese hardwood species, SD plywood possessed greater surface hardness with less average density. The results indicated that, inspired by the stiffness difference in the “sandwich structure” of wood, preparation of the SD plywood based upon hydro-thermal treatment is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swelling (Sw) and shrinking (Sh) of Larix kaempferi and Cryptomeria japonica woods were observed with the methods digital caliper, image analysis, and digital image correlation (DIC) as a function of cubic sample sizes (203, 503, and 1003 mm3) and the three anatomical directions of wood. The moisture content (MC) of the samples was 19, 12, and 8%, such as MC→ and MCsatur. Coefficients of swelling were significantly different at the three sample sizes. Coefficients of shrinking were significantly different by species and sample size. Results of DIC revealed that the magnitude of mixed Sw/Sh behaviors increased with increasing sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the absence of broad‐scale disturbance, many temperate coniferous forests experience successful seedling establishment only when abundant seed production coincides with favorable climate. Identifying the frequency of past establishment events and the climate conditions favorable for seedling establishment is essential to understanding how climate warming could affect the frequency of future tree establishment events and therefore future forest composition or even persistence of a forest cover. In the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, research on the sensitivity of establishment of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)—two widely distributed, co‐occurring conifers in North America—to climate variability has focused on the alpine treeline ecotone, leaving uncertainty about the sensitivity of these species across much of their elevation distribution. We compared annual germination dates for >450 Engelmann spruce and >500 subalpine fir seedlings collected across a complex topographic‐moisture gradient to climate variability in the Colorado Front Range. We found that Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir established episodically with strong synchrony in establishment events across the study area. Broad‐scale establishment events occurred in years of high soil moisture availability, which were characterized by above‐average snowpack and/or cool and wet summer climatic conditions. In the recent half of the study period (1975–2010), a decrease in the number of fir and spruce establishment events across their distribution coincided with declining snowpack and a multi‐decadal trend of rising summer temperature and increasing moisture deficits. Counter to expected and observed increases in tree establishment with climate warming in maritime subalpine forests, our results show that recruitment declines will likely occur across the core of moisture‐limited subalpine tree ranges as warming drives increased moisture deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to characterize the energetic potential of chips of biomass residues from timber harvesting, stored outdoors in the field and indoors in the industry throughout different storage times, in order to improve the potential of the materials for energy generation. The study was performed in operational areas of a forestry company located in the Northeast region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in a Pinus taeda stand. Chips stored in the different storage types were evaluated at the times of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days, according to the following physical and chemical parameters: moisture content, calorific value, and ash content. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and to the Tukey's post hoc means comparison test at 95% of probability. The results showed that the lowest moisture content was obtained in chips stored indoors for 60 days, whereas for chips stored outdoors the lowest moisture content occurred at 30 days. The chips stored outdoors for 30 days showed a higher calorific value of 4,792 Kcal.kg-1, whereas chips stored indoors for 60 days had calorific value equivalent to the other storage times, 4,706 Kcal.kg-1. Regarding the ash content, the best storage time for chips stored outdoors was 30 days, presenting an average ash content of 0.9%. Meanwhile, in the indoors storage, the ash content of the chips remained at low levels throughout the evaluated period. The indoor chip storage has proven to be the best option for use of biomass residues from timber harvesting for energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a theoretical and experimental study of the thermo-physical properties of original insulating materials using palm tree fibers in a cement matrix. Five formulations containing different mass ratios of palm tree fibers were prepared and examined. The thermal conductivity of thermal insulators is usually measured using the box method. The main objective of this paper is to study the effective thermal conductivity of dry insulator materials as a function of mass ratio, to determine the influence of moisture content on the thermal conductivity of our composite, and to write the mathematical models of the effective thermal conductivity of a composite material. The experimental evolution with water content was compared with three theoretical models (parallel model, series model, and Krischer model). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of an increasing moisture on trees of the tropical species-rich mountain rain forest in the South Ecuadorian Andes was investigated, using the daily total water consumption (TWC) and the instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE, ratio of photosynthetic CO 2 uptake per water loss by transpiration) as ecophysiological indicators. Two canopy and one sub-canopy tree species, ( Vismia tomentosa , Clusiaceae, an as of yet unknown Lauracee, and Spirotheca rosea , Bombacaceae) were the experimental objects. Seasonal changes as well as a long-term (18 months) trend of increasing precipitation caused an inverse reaction of the TWC of the trees. Because of a rather unlimited water supply to the trees from a permanently high water content of the soil, transpiration followed mainly the atmospheric demand of water vapor, and increasing moisture hence reduced water loss by transpiration. It was hypothesized that in spite of the reduction in transpiratory water loss photosynthetic carbon acquisition would be not or less affected due to an increase in water use efficiency. Concomitant measurements of photosynthetic net CO 2 uptake showed the expected increase of WUE in V. tomentosa and S. rosea, but no clear reaction of the Lauracee. Accompanying measurements of stem extension growth confirmed an undiminished growth of V. tomentosa and S. rosea but showed also suspended growth of the Lauracee during the wettest months. While TWC can be continuously monitored with the heat dissipation technique, WUE is determined by leaf porometry in campaigns for which access to the canopy is required. Simultaneous recordings of the gas exchange of leaves at 4 different positions in the crown of one of the experimental trees ( V. tomentosa ) showed the usability of the trait WUE in combination with the total daily water consumption as indicator set for assessing the response of trees to a subtly changing climate. However, not all tree species appear as likewise useful indicator trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compressional-puffing pretreatment is an efficient pretreatment process that can enhance extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds from plants. In this study, raw and pre-dried Aloe vera at moisture content 0–42.47 g/g dried biomass was puffed at 200 °C for 20 s and was extracted using 60% v/v ethanol solution at 70 °C for 1 h. Pre-drying with 80 °C thermal drying or −50 °C freeze-drying produced mediate sized pores which do not release the targeted bioactive compounds from Aloe biomass. Conversely, the puffing yielded numerous 0.1‒5 µm pores that contributed to the enhanced extraction efficiencies. There presents a moisture content (1 g/g dry material) that maximized the extraction yield of bioactive compounds, which denoted the compromise between thermal inertia to heat up at too much water and explosion expansion strength to be produced at too few water in biomass. The even distribution of water in biomass subjected to puffing was proposed essential to efficient puffing treatment of the biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration of bound water and free water has been investigated during microwave drying of wood by the time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) technique. Both the heartwood (hW) and sapwood (sW) of Beijing poplar (Populus beijingensis W. Y. Hsu) and Qingpi poplar (Populus platyphylla T. Y. Sun) were studied. The microwave drying is characterized by a fast drying rate and there is a linear relation between moisture content (MC) and microwave drying time (t). The drying rate of free water is about 2.7 times more rapid than that of bound water. The spin-spin relaxation time (T2) revealed that most of the water was free water situated in smaller pores. The irregular T2 signal amplitudes of free water in hWs indicated that fractional water in smaller pores was transferred into bigger pores during drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regression analyses identified 'Growth Days' (an index expressing site moisture availability) as the only site variable contributing significantly to the prediction to wood density (R² = 0.57), whereas the model predicting grain angle included only 'Altitude' (R² = 0.60). These results surfaced during an investigative study to quantify various sources of variation in wood properties and to quantify the effect of a number of site factors on wood properties of Pinus patula grown in the Mpumalanga escarpment area of South Africa. For this purpose, 10 trees were sampled from each of 17 diverse sites for wood property analyses. The effects of site, distance from the pith and differences between trees within site on wood density, transverse shrinkage, grain angle and dynamic modulus of elasticity were investigated. The site factors considered included a wide variety of soil and climatic factors. The effect of radial distance from the pith and differences between individual trees within sites were highly significant, accounting for most of the variation in wood properties. Although the effects of a number of site factors were statistically significant, they generally explained relatively small but important variation in wood properties among sites. The study not only quantified the effects of important sources of variation on a few key wood properties, but it also revealed that the extent of differences between sites can be explained in terms of some specific site factors. It is envisaged that the results will contribute significantly towards the refinement of current forest site classification systems for improved decision-making with respect to wood quality in intensively managed plantation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of porous and hygroscopic building materials is closely connected to its sorption properties and ability to get wet. Weight, mechanical, acoustic, and thermal properties as well as the resistance to discoloring and decay causing organisms are affected by moisture. For various reasons and purposes it is therefore recommendable to monitor the moisture content of building components continuously. The most common and most easily applicable methods are electrical resistance measurements. They can be applied to wood and wood-based materials as well as to mineral products such as mortar and brick. However, resistivity measurements require material specific characteristics and a temperature compensation since both parameters have a significant effect on electrical conductivity. This study aimed on developing a model to determine the moisture content at any temperature for different building materials such as native and modified wood as well as untreated and hydrophobized mortar. Therefore, the electrical resistance was measured with a data logging device in the giga ohm range to obtain values at low moisture contents. The model enables measurements at a wide range of moisture contents and suited with an acceptably high accuracy by using the appropriate resistance characteristic for each building material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectona grandisis the second most important species for reforestation in Costa Rica, and any improvement in its industrialization process is important, especially the drying process. Lumber obtained from a plantation of 12-year-oldT. grandistrees was used to evaluate three drying schedules that include integrated steaming processes to determine the combined effect of the steam-drying system on the dried lumber. The variations in the moisture content (MC) and drying rate (DR) with drying time (DT) both before and after the steaming process were modeled mathematically for boards that have a flat and quarter grain pattern. For both types of boards that were dried with and without steaming, a relationship between MC and DT was observed. There was inflexion at 40%, and two mathematical models were computed. Additionally, the relationship between DR and DT for boards with flat and quarter grain patterns was not affected by the steaming process, and an inflection point was observed at 30 h (40% MC for the lumber). Moderate changes were observed in the CIELAB color system and dried lumber became darker. The steaming process, which was integrated in the drying schedule for boards with the flat and quarter grain pattern, decreased the incidence or magnitude of drying defects depending on the grain pattern and drying schedule used. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As a result of effect of geographical location on timber properties, there is need for constant determination of properties of timber. This paper presents the results of experimental tests carried out on three Apa (Afzelia bipindensis) timber logs grown in Kwara State, south-western periphery of the North Central Zone of Nigeria in order to ascertain its structural strength properties. Logs of Apa timber were air-dried and along the stem, 324 pieces of test specimens were prepared for determination of their strength properties using a universal testing machine (UTM) FS50AT model, (specimen prepared included 108 samples for tensile strengths parallel to grain, 108 samples for compression parallel to grain and 108 samples for bending parallel to grain) at a moisture content of 12%, in accordance with the Nigerian, British and European standards. The moisture content of 12% was converted to 18% which is specified in a standard document, for the area. Statistical analysis was carried out using the strength properties for determination of mean, standard deviation, confidence limit and characteristic strength. The result revealed that the timber is satisfactory for structural purposes in construction works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of two timber species for structural use. Three logs of each specie were obtained at different areas of Kwara State, of Nigeria which is located north in the periphery of the south-western rain forest area, sliced into 2" by 12" size before seasoning naturally and their structural/strength properties were determined at a moisture content of 18%. These logs were cut into test samples for the determination of their properties. A total of 351 samples (45 samples for each test) free from visible defects was used for each specie. Basic physical properties of the samples like moisture content, specific gravity and density was determined. Tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compression, shear and hardness were the mechanical tests carried out according to BS 373 (1957), CP112 (1971), NCP2 (1973), EC5 (1995) and BS 5268 (2002) specifications on Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Results were analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A. Indica was graded into strength class D40 while X. Aethiopica was grade into strength class D70. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fuel moisture content (FMC) dynamics are paramount to assessing the forest wildfire risk and its behavior. This variable can be retrieved from remotely sensed data using a radiative transfer model (RTM). However, previous studies generally treated the background of forest canopy as soil surface while ignored the fact that the soil may be covered by grass canopy. In this study, we focused on retrieving FMC of such forestry structure by coupling two RTMs: PROSAIL and PRO-GeoSail. The spectra of lower grass canopy were firstly simulated by the PROSAIL model, which was then coupled into the PRO-GeoSail model. The results showed that the accuracy level of retrieved FMC using this coupled model was better than that when the PRO-GeoSail model used alone. Further analysis revealed that low FMC condition fostered by fire weather condition had an important influence on the breakout of a fire during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the extent to which general or site-specific allometric equations, using diameter at breast height (DBH) as a predictor, are more accurate for estimating stem volume, stem biomass, branch biomass, aboveground woody biomass, and coarse root biomass in 14 year-old plantations of Populus canadensis x Populus maximowiczii (clone DN x M-915508) located along an environmental gradient in southern Québec (eastern Canada). The effect of tree size and site on stem wood basic density, moisture content, and proportion of branch biomass was also evaluated. For stem volume, stem biomass, and aboveground biomass, site-specific and general models had comparable fit and accuracy, but lower Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc) values were observed for the general models. For the branch and coarse root biomass, higher fit and accuracy and lower AICc values were observed for the site-specific models. Allometric trajectory changes (plastic allometry) across sites were mainly observed for coarse root biomass, branch biomass, and stem volume. On the low fertility site, allocation was increased to coarse roots and decreased to stem volume. Site-specific tradeoffs between tree architecture and stem wood density explained the relatively invariant allometry for the whole aboveground woody biomass across the plantation sites. On the high fertility sites, basic wood density was the lowest and declined as tree DBH increased. At all sites, stem wood moisture content and the proportion of branch biomass increased with DBH. Overall, this study showed that biomass allometry, tree architecture, and biomass quality are a function of both tree size and plantation environment in hybrid poplar. Allometric model selection (site-specific or general) should depend on the objective pursued (evaluation of yield, nutrient budget, carbon stocks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide comprehensive data on creep behaviors at relative humidity (RH) isohume conditions and find the basic characteristics of mechano-sorptive (MS) creep (MSC), the tensile creep behaviors, "viscoelastic creep (VEC)" at equilibrium moisture content and MSC during adsorption process, were performed on Chinese fir in the longitudinal direction under 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% RH (25 °C) and at 1, 1.3, and 1.6 MPa, respectively. The free swelling behavior was also measured, where the climate conditions corresponded with MSC tests. Based on the databases of free swelling, VEC, and MSC, the existence of MS effect was examined, and the application of the rheological model under the assumption of partitioned strain was investigated. The results revealed that both VEC and MSC increased with magnitude of applied stress, and the increasing RH level. Under all RH isohume conditions, the total strain of MSC was greater than that of VEC. The influence of RH level on VEC was attributed to the water plasticization effect, whereas that on MSC was presumed to be the effect of water plasticization and unstable state in the wood cell wall. In addition, the RH level promoted the relaxation behavior in MSC, while it slightly affected the relaxation behavior in VEC. In the future, the rheological model could consider the link between load configuration and the anatomic structural feature of wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of hydrothermal treatment on oil palm wood (Elaeis guineensis) in term of decay resistance against white rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) was investigated in the present study. Response surface methodology (RSM) models for treatment temperature, treatment duration and buffered medium of hydrothermally treated oil palm wood were developed. Oil palm wood were immersed in the buffered media ranging from pH 4-9 and heated, 60-160 °C for 13-147 min, respectively. After treatment, weight loss and EMC of the treated samples caused by white rot fungus were evaluated. Equations with high adjusted r2 value were obtained using the RSM model. The results revealed that the weight loss of the treated oil palm wood caused by white rot fungus reduced as the treatment temperature and time increased. Buffered medium showed insignificant effect on improvement of decay resistance of the oil palm wood. However, slightly better decay resistance was found in the samples treated in neutral and alkaline medium. On the other hand, EMC of the treated samples reduced with increasing temperature, and the reduction was prominently higher in acidic medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moisture content is an important factor influencing physical and mechanical behaviors of wood materials. This research aimed at quantifying effect of moisture content on some orthotropic mechanical properties of Black pine wood. The elastic properties investigated include EL, ER, ET, ʋLR, ʋLT, ʋRL, ʋRT, ʋTL and ʋTR under compression. Compression strength in all orthotropic directions was also studied. Specimens were cut from sapwood of pine logs and sorted into four matched MC groups. Clear wood samples were conditioned at 20°C and 45%, 65%, 85%, 95% RH and subjected to compression tests. A bi axial extensometer was used to measure active and passive strain during loading. Young modulus, Poisson ratios, and compression strength were calculated and compared for all orthotropic directions. Results indicated that elastic and strength properties are significantly different in principal directions. Both Young's modulus and compression strength of the samples tested were strongly affected by moisture content. Both properties decrease seemingly linear with increasing moisture content. Poisson ratios seem to be insensitive to the MC changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimates of biomass are required for relating ecosystem functioning to atmospheric carbon regulation. Biomass may be directly measured through field sampling, which can then be used to calibrate biomass predictions from remote sensing and/or modelling. Field sampling generally entails measuring the fresh mass of individual trees or shrubs and then estimating the moisture contents of a representative sub-samples, which are then used to calculate dry mass. Because any errors in the estimation of the moisture content (MC) correction are translated proportionally to the biomass prediction of an individual tree or shrub, care is required to ensure MC estimates are unbiased and as precise as possible. There are numerous different protocols currently applied to attain MC, with these differing in accuracy (bias and precision) and cost of implementation. A dataset of MC of above-ground biomass (AGB) of 1396 individuals (trees or shrubs) was used to assess which protocols for within- and among-individual sampling are likely to provide the most cost-effective estimates of MC within acceptable bounds of accuracy. Monte-Carlo analysis was used to explore key sources of error in within-individual MC estimation. Results suggest these MC estimates may be based on at least the bole and crown components of AGB, with bias resulting if MC is based on stem wood only, particularly in young (or small) individuals. Little gain in accuracy was attained with more intensive sub-sampling (e.g. into foliage, twig, branches, bark, and stem wood components). Moreover, further efficiencies may be gained by applying existing empirical models to estimate the proportion of AGB that is crown based on easily measured variables such as stem diameter, thereby avoiding the resource-intensive process of partitioning to obtain fresh weights measurements of components. However to minimise bias, it is important to undertake MC sampling at each study site, and to stratify sampling among-individuals by both appropriate taxonomic grouping (e.g. plant functional type) and age-class. For a given plant functional type-by-size (or age) strata at a given site a precision of about 4% coefficient of variation of the average MC estimate can be achieved with intensive within- and among-individual sampling. However a precision of 8–10% is achievable using our recommended less intensive but more efficient protocol; derive an average MC for at least six individuals, and for each individual, intensively sub-sample bole and crown components for MC, which is then applied to the fresh weights of these components. This latter estimate may be obtained from partitioning of the AGB, or for the highest efficiency, from predictions obtained from the application of existing representative empirical relationships of partitioning based on the size of the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid wood properties were examined in eight half-sib families of 4-year-oldEucalyptus camaldulensistrees selected for pulpwood production in Thailand. The effects of radial growth rate on solid wood properties were also discussed. The mean values of green moisture content (MC) and basic density (BD) at 1.2 m heights in each family ranged from 86.3 to 106.6% and from 0.49 to 0.57 g cm−3, respectively. Significant among-family differences were found in MC, BD and maximum height of interlocked grain (IG). However, no significant correlations were found between stem diameter and solid wood properties, with the exception of MC and BD at a 5.2 m height, and IG. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that superiorE. camaldulensistrees, with respect to both growth characteristics and solid wood properties, can be selected for pulpwood production. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Postharvest needle abscission is a major challenge in balsam fir with respect to postharvest Christmas tree quality. It is hypothesized that differences in dehydration rate or ability to rehydrate may contribute to observed differences in needle abscission resistance (NAR). Branches were collected from low and high NAR genotypes and dehydrated for 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, 14, or 21 d before being provided water and evaluated for water content, xylem pressure potential, stomatal conductance, and needle abscission. Fresh branches were 57% water content at −0.5 MPa and rapidly declined over 21 d without water to approximately 28% water content at −7.0 MPa. The ability to rehydrate was different between low and high NAR genotypes; low NAR genotypes could only successfully rehydrate within 2 d of dehydration (51% water content, −2.8 MPa) while high NAR genotypes were able to rehydrate within 7 d of dehydration (36% water content, −4.9 MPa). There was no significant difference in postharvest abscission of contrasting NAR genotypes when dehydrated for up to 2 d, but high NAR genotypes had significantly lower abscission when water was withheld for 5 or 7 d. When dehydrated for 14 or 21 d, no branches were able to recover and abscission occurred rapidly. It was concluded that low NAR genotypes were unable to recover from a similar water content as high NAR genotypes, which contributes to genotypic differences in postharvest abscission rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect outbreaks often occur synchronously across large spatial scales, but the long-term temporal stability of the phenomenon and the mechanisms behind it are not well understood. In this study, I use a widespread lepidopteran defoliator native to western North America—the western spruce budworm—as a case study to explore patterns of and potential causes for synchronous population fluctuations. Analyses of synchrony are typically severely limited by the short historical records available for many species. To overcome this limitation, I compiled multi-century dendrochronological reconstructions of western spruce budworm outbreaks from across much of the species’ range. This allowed me to analyze synchrony at a sub-continental spatial scale over the last three centuries. I found statistically significant synchrony among regional outbreak records up to 2,000 km apart and identified numerous outbreak periods that occurred synchronously across much of the species’ range. I quantified spatial and temporal associations between climate and synchronous outbreak periods using paleoclimate reconstructions. The spatial patterns of outbreak histories and climate records were remarkably similar, with higher similarity in outbreak histories apparent between regions with more similar climate conditions. Synchronous outbreaks typically occurred during periods of average or above average moisture availability preceded by periods of low moisture availability. My results suggest that climatic variability has played a key role in synchronizing western spruce budworm population fluctuations in disjunct forests across western North America for at least the last three centuries. Widespread synchrony appears to be a natural part of this species’ population dynamics, though synchronous outbreaks have occurred more frequently during the 20th century than during prior centuries. This study uses a novel combination of statistical methods and dendrochronological data to provide analyses of this species’ population dynamics with an unprecedented combination of spatial extent and temporal depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood density ( ρ ) is an indicator of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) forest product performance and past and present tree ecophysiology. Models describing the spatial variation in this wood property will require a considerable sampling effort. Medical X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been identified as one technology for rapidly estimating ρ of Douglas-fir wood. The density of Douglas-fir can be predicted from CT Hounsfield units through a linear relationship ( R 2 : 96 % ). The moisture content of wood samples has an additional linear effect on estimating Douglas-fir wood density ( 0.0015 g / cm 3 ) and also has a practically minor ( 2.8 E - 06 g / cm 3 ), but significant, interactive relationship with CT Hounsfield units. While the effect of moisture content explains only a small percentage of the variance in ρ , accounting for this effect my be important to avoid prediction biases. Finally, X-ray tube current (mA) may also impose a small effect ( 0.00003 g / cm 3 ) on estimating wood density. In contrast to other factors, the filtered back-projection algorithm used to produce CT scanning images does not have an strong effect on estimating ρ . While it is important to account for scanner settings and moisture content, 74% of the variance in predicting ρ can be explained by CT Hounsfield units with 21% explained by accounting for moisture content and X-ray tube current. Independent estimates of wood sample volume for validation can be achieved in several ways, each with possible systematic biases. This experiment found volume of wood samples conditioned to different moisture content could be estimated similarly using volumetric displacement or dimension measurement by caliper. The absolute mean deviance of estimated sample volume from caliper measurement relative to volumetric displacement was 0.45 cm 3 or 2.6%. CT scanning can be used to rapidly estimate Douglas-fir at a resolution of 1-mm using unprepared samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrogeology Journal is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the earlywood and latewood of different annual rings of kiln dried Japanese larch wood upon the water vapour sorption properties. Samples of earlywood and latewood from different lateral positions in the tree at 1·5 m height were exposed to water vapour over a range of different relative humidities to obtain sorption isotherms. A difference was found between the behaviour of the earlywood and latewood and this became more pronounced as the distance from the pith increased. The results indicated that there was residual water trapped in the cell wall of the latewood of the more recent annual rings after the first drying curve was completed. However, when the latewood was exposed to a second sorption cycle much of the residual trapped water was no longer present. Nonetheless, there were still differences in the EMC between the earlywood and latewood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated veneer products (LVPs) consist of veneers bonded together with an adhesive into a predetermined shape. Deviation from the intended shape is a problem for both manufacturers and customers of the final products. The shape stability of LVP depends on a variety of material and process parameters, and this review identifies several important factors that influence shape stability, the purpose being to find ways of decreasing distortion and improving shape stability so that product quality can be improved. The review ends to the following statements: The fibre orientation of the veneer strongly influences the shape stability of LVP. The products can show considerable distortion (particularly twist) if the fibre orientation of the veneer is oriented in an unsuitable way in the assembly before moulding. The effect of fibre orientation on shape stability can be very small directly after moulding, but it can increase considerably when the moulded product is subjected to a change in moisture content (MC). In general, a change in moisture leads to distortion. Moisture changes alone, however, result in a controlled distortion. The orientation of the loose and tight sides of the veneers in LVP affects the shape stability. An asymmetrical construction, coupled with different levels of moisture in the different veneers in an assembly before moulding, will result in poor shape stability of the product. The choice of wood species affects shape stability. Beech shows more distortion and poorer shape stability than birch. Based on existing knowledge to produce shape-stable LVP, the veneers should be conditioned to uniform MC and sorted with regard to fibre orientation and loose or tight side of the veneer before bonding. End-user climates should govern the veneers' MC and added moisture from the adhesive during the process. Straight grain veneers and symmetry should always be sought. This review reveals several areas that need to be further clarified in order to achieve shape-stable LVP, for example the influence of adhesive, the distribution of pressure, temperature, stresses and strains during moulding and the development of numerical methods to better predict the final shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forestry Chronicle is the property of Canadian Institute of Forestry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Systematic field measurements were conducted to investigate the relationships between the sap flow of Salix bushes ( Salix psammophila) and climatic variables and the sources of water use in the semi-arid Hailiutu River catchment in northwest China. The statistical analyses identified the controls of climatic factors on sap flow and the water use strategy of Salix bushes in periods characterized by different wetness conditions. Correlation analyses indicate strong positive correlations between diurnal sap flow, net radiation, air temperature and wind speed but a negative correlation with relative humidity. The peak values of sap flow occured at the same time as the peak values of net radiation but a few hours ahead of the peak values of temperature and the relative humidity minimum. Multiple regression equations between diurnal sap flow and climatic factors (i.e., net radiation, temperature, relative humidity and wind speed) can account for more than 80 % of the variations in sap flow. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses between sap flow, soil water contents and groundwater level were used to quantify the water sources of S. psammophila. The results indicate that Salix bushes can use both soil water and groundwater for transpiration. In the dry periods, the cumulative transpiration of Salix caused a continuous decline of soil water contents and shallow groundwater levels. During rain events, sap flow was very low, but immediately after the rain, the peak value of sap flow increased significantly due to better soil water availability. The correlation and regression analysis identified a strong relationship between sap flow and groundwater levels that fluctuated at depths of 145.5-180.7 cm. Therefore, Salix bushes can be considered as groundwater-dependent plants in the Hailiutu River catchment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing the moisture loss from felled trees is essential for determining weight-to-volume (W-V) relationships in softwood sawlogs. Several factors affect moisture loss, but research to quantify the effects of bole size and harvest method is limited. This study was designed to test whether bole size, harvest method, environmental factors, and the associated changes in stem moisture content of felled Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca Franco) affected the weight-to-volume relationship of sawlogs. Thirty trees in three size classes (12.7–25.4 cm, 25.5–38.1 cm, 38.2–50.8 cm) were felled and treated with one of two harvesting processing methods. Moisture content was sampled every two days for four weeks. Results showed 6% greater moisture loss in the crowns of stems that retained limbs after felling compared to stems with limbs removed after harvesting. Additionally, moisture loss rate increased as stem size decreased. The smallest size class lost 58% moisture content compared to 34% in the largest size class throughout the study duration. These stem moisture content changes showed a 17% reduction in average sawlog weight within the largest size class, shifting current W-V relationships from 2.33 tons m-3 to 1.94 tons m-3 during the third seasonal quarter for northern Idaho Douglas-fir and potentially altering relationships year-round. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under future climate drought-induced tree mortality may result in the contraction of species ranges and the reorganization of community composition where abundant and peripheral species exchange their patterns of dominance. Predicting these changes will be challenging because the future suitable habitat may be a mismatch for the current bioclimatic envelope because of discrepancies between the realized and fundamental niche. Here we evaluate the extent of the discrepancy, as applied to tree species in relation to their relative field-recorded drought sensitivities and their observed range-wide environmental moisture envelopes. The hypothesis tested was that different species levels of drought-induced damage at sites where they co-occur will be positively associated with the minimum moisture availability in the most drought-prone part of each species current geographic range. We tested the hypothesis using drought damage measurements for 13 Australian Myrtaceae (including E ucalyptus) tree species at a site where all co-occur, together with 120 years of climate data across their geographical ranges. With limited statistical power the results generated only modest support for the hypothesis suggesting limited capacity to predict future distributions under climate change scenarios. In spite of the poor dispersal capacities of E ucalyptus and allied genera, but consistent with knowledge of breeding systems and genetic variability within E ucalyptus, the findings also suggest that many species have a capacity for rapid adaptive response to climate change, including the vicissitudes of the late Quaternary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raised bogs have accumulated more atmospheric carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. Climate-induced expansion of trees and shrubs may turn these ecosystems from net carbon sinks into sources when associated with reduced water tables. Increasing water loss through tree evapotranspiration could potentially deepen water tables, thus stimulating peat decomposition and carbon release. Bridging the gap between modelling and field studies, we conducted a three-year mesocosm experiment subjecting natural bog vegetation to three birch tree densities, and studied the changes in subsurface temperature, water balance components, leaf area index and vegetation composition. We found the deepest water table in mesocosms with low tree density. Mesocosms with high tree density remained wettest (i.e. highest water tables) whereas the control treatment without trees had intermediate water tables. These differences are attributed mostly to differences in evapotranspiration. Although our mesocosm results cannot be directly scaled up to ecosystem level, the systematic effect of tree density suggests that as bogs become colonized by trees, the effect of trees on ecosystem water loss changes with time, with tree transpiration effects of drying becoming increasingly offset by shading effects during the later phases of tree encroachment. These density-dependent effects of trees on water loss have important implications for the structure and functioning of peatbogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bark thickness is the most important bark trait for heat resistance of a tree. [•] Conductance of heat differs among bark-types of Eucalyptus species. [•] Density of bark does not have a critical impact on heat resistance. [•] A novel experimental design identifies the role of bark moisture as ‘coolant’ and as ‘conductor’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study quantified the spatial distribution of moisture content and basic density within Cryptomeria japonica branches using near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging and multivariate data analysis techniques. The hyperspectral data for wood disk samples were acquired using a Compovision NIR Composition Imaging System (Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Yokohama, Japan) with a spectral range of 913-2519 nm. The calibration models for prediction of moisture content and basic density were developed using partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. The PLS model for moisture content and basic density showed good predictive performance with coefficients of determination 0·82 (RMSEP = 12·4%) and 0·84 (RMSEP = 28·0 kg m−3) respectively. The spatial distribution of predicted moisture content clearly detected the low moisture white zone surrounding the heartwood. The high density compression wood could be also visualised with the NIR hyperspectral imaging technique. The results presented here provide useful information for development of a novel log sorting method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]