Between-tree variation in stem volume, wood density, fibre length and Kraft pulping properties of Eucalyptus globulus and the utility of field-portable NIR spectroscopy and wood cores in evaluating pulpwood quality properties of standing trees

Abstract

Pulpwood quality characteristics of 75 individual trees of 10 to 11-year-old Eucalyptus globulus were evaluated to assess their suitability for inclusion in a clonal tree improvement program. The trees were phenotypically selected for good growth and form from three commercial plantations in contrasting rainfall zones in south-western Western Australia. All sampled trees were assessed for merchantable tree volume, heartwood proportion, bark proportion, basic density and Kraft pulping properties. Simulated wood core samples extracted at breast height from each tree were evaluated for basic density and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) predicted pulp yield. The application of a field-portable ..