Wood density and wood shrinkage in relation to initial spacing and tree growth in black spruce (Picea mariana)

Abstract This study has quantified basic wood density and various types of shrinkage in relation to initial spacing (or planting density) tree growth based on a 48-year-old black spruce ( Picea mariana ) trial eastern Canada. A total 139 sample trees were collected from four spacings (3086, 2500, 2066, 1372 trees/ha) for this study. Analyses variance (ANOVA) show that is the most important parameter affecting significantly, followed by diameter at breast height (DBH) class. With increasing spacing, density, radial volumetric tend decrease, whereas longitudinal tends increase gradually. The largest lowest smallest transverse shrinkage. Path analysis indicates shrinkage, distance pith. Furthermore, much variation with may be due DBH also reveals mainly related log height, increase, decrease. class, have an decreasing Overall, suggests large (e.g., might lead significant reduction both spruce.