Radial compression strength can predict the hydraulic vulnerability of mature Norway spruce sapwood

Authors

  • Sabine Rosner University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research. Institute of Botany. Vienna, Austria
  • Saskia Luss University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research. Institute of Botany. Vienna, Austria
  • Johannes Konnerth University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering. Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials. Tulln an der Donau, Austria.
  • Norbert Kunert University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research. Institute of Botany. Vienna, Austria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22320/s0718221x/2024.19

Keywords:

Biomechanics, cavitation, hydraulic vulnerability, Norway spruce, radial compression strength, sapwood

Abstract

Hydraulic testing of isolated sapwood from mature tree trunks is time-consuming and prone to errors, whereas the measurement of compression strength is a standardized and rapid wood technological applica- tion. In this study, we aimed to analyze if compression stress perpendicular to the grain relates to hydraulic vulnerability of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) trunk wood with an expected narrow vulnerability range. The sample-set comprised 52 specimens originating from 34 trees harvested in Sweden. Before mechanical testing, the P50, i.e., the water potential resulting in 50 % of hydraulic conductivity loss, was estimated on small sapwood beams employing the air injection method. Compression strength perpendicular to the grain was de- fined as the first peak of a stress-strain curve (peak stress) when the wood is subjected to radial compression. Peak stress ranged between 1,65 MPa and 5,07 MPa, P50 between -2,98 MPa and -1,98 MPa. We found a good correlation between the peak stress and P50  (r = 0,80; P < 0,0001). This provides further evidence that peak stress in radial compression and P50 are both extremely dependent on the characteristics of the “weakest” wood part, i.e., the highly conductive earlywood. We conclude that the radial compression strength is a good proxy for P50 of mature Norway spruce trunk wood.

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Published

2024-01-08

How to Cite

Rosner, S. ., Luss, S. ., Konnerth, J. ., & Kunert, N. . (2024). Radial compression strength can predict the hydraulic vulnerability of mature Norway spruce sapwood. Maderas. Ciencia Y Tecnología, 26, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.22320/s0718221x/2024.19

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