Acoustic segregation of Pinus radiata logs according to stiffness

Wood stiffness varies enormously both within and between trees, so it is inevitable that low-grade solid wood products are produced from some trees. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to segregate logs to ensure that only those logs with predominantly high stiffness wood are processed into structural lumber products. This study examined whether sound flight velocity (m s -1 ) could be used as a direct measure of wood stiffness to allow such segregation. Trees of radiata pine were measured before and after harvest with a non-destructive acoustic device (stress wave timer) to see if there was a relationship between sound wave velocity in either standing trees or logs and machine stress-grades of boards derived from those trees and logs. The speed of sound along logs was sufficiently closely correlated with wood stiffness to allow logs to be sorted into classes. A highly significant and positive relationship was found for acoustic measurements made in logs and a weaker, but still si- gnificant, relationship existed for acoustic measurements made in standing trees. Such segregation of logs according to wave velocity measured in the field may save a large sawmill between A$1-4m each year. Acoustic methods may also be used as an indirect tool for selection provided the heritability of the measurements is high enough and there is significant genetic correlation with genetic values for wood stiffness. From ano- ther experiment we have estimated the heritability of several acoustic measures and hope to be able to estimate genetic relationships with wood quality soon. modulus of elasticity / wood, acoustics / sound speed / selection