Radial compression strength can predict the hydraulic vulnerability of mature Norway spruce sapwood
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Universidad del Bío Bío
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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 application. 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 P 50, 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 defined 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, P 50 between -2,98 MPa and -1,98 MPa. We found a good correlation between the peak stress and P 50 (r = 0,80; P < 0,0001). This provides further evidence that peak stress in radial compression and P 50 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 P 50 of mature Norway spruce trunk wood.
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