In-forest wood quality assessments—where are we with NDT technologies?

Abstract

Recent research and development on nondestructive testing technologies has brought the in-forest assessments of wood and fiber properties of standing trees into forest management, resource evaluation, harvesting operation, and efficient wood utilization. Significant values are associated with the wood and fiber quality of our forests for the production of structural lumber, engineered wood products (such as glulam, LVL, and CLT), and pulping and paper. Rapid and nondestructive measurements on trees allow this value to be realized through better silvicultural practices, as well as the allocation of resources to highest value users and application of best processing methods. This paper provides an overview of recent research and development on in-forest wood quality assessments using emerging precision-based nondestructive technologies with a focus on forest resource evaluation and wood utilization. These include, but are not limited to, SilviScan™, near infrared, DiscBot, acoustic waves, and resistance drilling. A brief discussion is followed on how these technologies and the knowledge obtained from them can support the development of the next generation of forests, e.g. through tree breeding and silviculture.

Citation

Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J. 2022. In-forest wood quality assessments—where are we with NDT technologies? In: Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J., eds., Proceedings: 22nd InternationalNondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. May 24-27, 2022. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-290. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 6-16.