Selected physical and mechanical properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood from stands of younger age classes as criteria for rational utilization of timber

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood depending on the age of trees, forest site conditions and social class of tree position in the stand. Analyses were based on the determination of specific density and static bending strength, as well as the strength quality coefficient. It was to determine changes in physical and mechanical properties of timber depending on tree age as well as growth conditions reflected in the forest site such as fresh mixed coniferous forests and fresh mixed broadleaved forests. Experimental plots were established in 6 localities with 30, 40 and 60-year-old trees. In each of the stands, a 1-hectare experimental plot was established. Based on the measured DBH and tree height, dimensions of three mean sample trees were calculated, while the classification of social class of tree position in the stand developed by Kraft (1884) was also applied. Analyses were conducted on wood samples with 12% moisture content. Strength tests on wood samples were performed on an Instron 33RH204 universal strength testing machine. A detailed analysis showed properties of pine wood are improved with an increase of tree age in both forest sites. Statistically significant differences were observed for wood density and static bending strength. More advantageous properties were observed for wood of pines from the less fertile forest site, i.e., fresh mixed coniferous forests. Density and static bending strength were markedly determined by tree age and growth conditions. The static bending strength quality coefficient from pines growing in the fresh mixed coniferous forests increased between 30 and 40 years, similarly as it was for the fresh mixed broadleaved forests, while between 40 and 60 years, it deteriorated for the fresh mixed coniferous forests. Wood density from the fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 3% to 7% greater than pines growing in fresh mixed broadleaved forests. In turn, static bending strength of wood from pines growing in fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 4% to 10% greater than trees from the fresh mixed broadleaved forests.  Keywords: Scots pine, wood properties, forest site, Poland