Physical and mechanical properties of Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii according to stand characteristics in the Southern Region of Korea

Abstract

Since physical and mechanical properties of wood are affected by environmental factors such as soil and climate change, this study investigated relationships between wood quality factors and stand characteristics of Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii forest in the southern region of Korea, including Jeollanam-do Province and Je-ju island. The obtained results found very close relationships between physical and mechanical properties of wood and stand characteristics. The air-dried density and strength performance of woods showed a negative correlation with the diameter at breast height (DBH) while they were positively related to altitude and drainage of the forest site. And wood properties showed variations depending on the region. These results brought a conclusion that wood of Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii in the southern region could be useful forest resources for timber production.