Physical and mechanical properties of Quercus serrata according to stand characteristics in Southern Region of Korea

Abstract

Wood properties are affected by environmental factors such as soil and climate change. There were close relationships between mechanical properties and stand characteristics for Quercus serrata stands in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jeollanam-do Province and Je-ju island. Both compression and shear strengths of woods showed a negative correlation with diameter at breast height (DBH) and the number of tree per hector, while they are positively related with with tree age, altitude, and drainage. The annual ring width was also negatively correlated with tree age, altitude, drainage, DBH, and tree height. However, anatomical characteristics of wood did not show much variation depending on the provincial regions. These results brought a conclusion that Quercus serrata in southern region could be useful forest resources for the utilization of wood.