The project involves the entire field of knowledge and research efforts in wood science and forest products in the Forest Research Institute, ranging from microscopic wood characterization to timber measurement. The main objective is to study the determining properties, quality and value of wood raw materials when forest production methods of different intensity level are applied for typical Finnish forests ecosystems. The effects of various silvicultural practices, such as tending, thinning and regeneretion method, and some forest improvement methods, such as drainage, pruning, fertilization and tree breeding, are concerned.
The main objective is supported by investigations to identify the critical wood properties for the main end-uses, and to study the variation of these properties and the possibilities to predict them by visible stem, bolt and wood characteristics. Research on commercial timber scaling methods for quantity and quality, statutory duties of Forest Research Institute for timber scaling and service and consulting duties of Wood Laboratory are involved, as well.
Duration: 1995 - 1998
Project leader: Verkasalo, Erkki (- 31.3.96), Saranpää, Pekka (1.4.96 -)
Pekka Saranpää
Finnish Forest Research Institute
P.O.Box 18
FIN-01301 Vantaa, Finland
Tel +358-9-8570 5346
Fax +358-9-8570 5361
E-mail:pekka.saranpaa@metla.fi
Updated: 17.10.1996 /Pentti Sairanen