Production cycles of <i>Pinus taeda</o> L. older more than 30 years: an alternative for obtaining wood for solid and structural uses

Abstract

Pinus spp. plantations are the basis of an important economic activity on the highland regions of southern Brazil, where they are cultivated under productions cycles of approximately 15 years. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physical-mechanical and anatomical characteristics of Pinus taeda L. timber, obtained from stands older than 30 years, compared with that currently available in the market, aged close to 15 years, aiming at analyzing its potential to produce high quality wood for solid and structural end-uses. Furthermore, the productivity and the economic aspects of stands older than 30 years were also evaluated. To do so, Pinus taeda trees from two stands aging 15 and 43 years were analyzed and, thereafter, only wood produced from the age of 30 years onwards was sampled, in order to characterize the juvenile and mature wood, respectively. It was concluded that the mature wood, obtained from >30-year-old trees has higher density, bigger tracheid dimension, shrinkage volumetric coefficient (but with a lower anisotropy coefficient), modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture to static bending, in comparison with the juvenile one, obtained from 15-year-old trees. Taking into account the ability upon the static bending, the timber formed after the age of 30 years can be indicated to uses which explore its better mechanical performance, compatible with the one of Araucaria angustifolia ages between 25 and 58 years. The production cycles with more than 30 years are profitable and could be an interesting management option aiming at specific markets in which high quality wood for solid and structural end-uses may be even better remunerated.