Variability of selected macrostructure features, density and compression strength along the grain of “Tabórz” Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.)

The aim of the study was to determine the variability of annual ring width, share of latewood, density and compression strength along the grain of “Tabórz” Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.). The wood samples for examination were obtained from three trunks of 260-year-old Scots pines felled in the Sosny Taborskie Nature Reserve. In total, 106 samples were obtained, with cross-sectional dimensions of 20 × 20 mm and a length of 30 mm along the grain. The mean values for all tested wood samples were as follows: annual ring width 1.28 mm, share of latewood 28.9%, wood density 0.487 g·cm-3, and compression strength 47.3 MPa. The least variability within trees was found for wood density and compressive strength along the grain. Very high positive correlation was found between wood density and compressive strength, and high positive correlations were found between share of latewood and wood density and between share of latewood and compressive strength. To the authors’ knowledge, the results presented here are the first empirical data published concerning the features of wood macrostructure, density and compression strength along the grain of the Tabórz Scots pine, the trunks of which are considered a valuable timber in Europe.