Establishment of a Laboratory Scale Set-Up with Controlled Temperature and High Humidity to Investigate Dry Matter Losses of Wood Chips from Poplar during Storage

The aim of this work was to improve the understanding dry matter losses (DML) that occur in wood chips during initial phase storage outdoor piles. For purpose, a laboratory scale chamber developed and investigated regarding its ability recreate conditions undergo storage. Three trials with poplar Max-4 (Populus maximowiczii Henry × Populus nigra L.) were performed for 6–10 weeks under controlled temperature assisted humidity. Two different set-ups maintain high relative humidity (RH) inside chamber; one using water containers, humidifier. Moisture content (MC) DML measured at times evaluate their behaviour chamber. Additionally, microbiological analyses culturable fraction saproxylic microbiota performed, focus on mesophilic fungi, but discriminating also xerophilic bacteria, actinobacteria, two trials, gain view chip-inhabiting microorganisms as function (moisture, temperature) time. Results show up 8.8–13.7% occurred within weeks. maximum reached trial humidifier, which seemed suitable technique keep RH testing chamber, thus, analyse comparable those piles phase.