Belova, O. 2007. Recent problems of nature use, game biology and fur farming. Baltic Forestry 13 (1): 137-138 (Chronicle)
Recognising no mean importance of game animals in the forest ecosystems and surroundings as well as the substantial links between the Game Management science and forest sciences, knowledge of the new events in wildlife studies goes more relevant. Present Game Management is oriented to sustainable use and conservation of wildlife resources including the system of arrangements and economic measures to protect wildlife and their habitat, and improve habitat carrying capacity. Game management combines main objects of game management are game and their habitats.
The International Scientific and Practical Conference Recent Problems of Nature Use, Game Biology and Fur Farming has been held at B.M Zhitkov’s Russian Research Institute of Game Management and Fur Farming in Kirov, Russia, on 22-25 May, 2007. The conference was dedicated to the 85th Anniversary of the Institute. The significant input of the organizer enable representatives from different countries to attend the different Sections of the Conference and to impart benefits of their knowledge as well as extend and make up new fruitful scientific contacts.
Möttönen, V. and Kärki, T. 2007. Effect of Drying Force on Birch Wood Colour Change during High Temperature Drying. Baltic Forestry 13 (1): 126-130 (Brief Report)
Sawn birch timber is traditionally dried very carefully at low temperatures in order to avoid discolouration of wood. To be able to increase the capacity of old kilns and enable the drying of birch in high temperature drying kilns, experiments of high temperature drying of birch were made. The main aim of the study was to investigate the intensity of discolouration of birch during high temperature drying and test the novel combination drying (hot air drying/high temperature drying).
The results have shown that sawn birch timber darkens in normal high temperature drying when drying force is kept low above FSP. Especially, reddish colour will appear in the planks. The results also have shown that this kind of discolouration can be decreased considerably by increasing the drying force during the first steps of the drying process. The results indicate that hot air/high-temperature-dried birch timber could be used particularly in gluelams and I-beams for the lower price categories. Further studies are needed on other mechanical and physical properties of birch wood dried by the hot air/high temperature method.
Key words: Drying force, hardwood, high temperature drying, wood colour
Liukko, T., Salila, T., Platt, S. and Kärki, T. 2007. Wood Plastic Composites in Europe: an Introduction to Wood Plastic Composite Markets and Products. Baltic Forestry 13 (1): 131-136 (Brief Report)
This paper deals with markets and product applications of wood plastic composites in Europe. At the present moment there are only a few industrial manufactures of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) in Europe. The manufactures are usually small and specified in certain products, which is contradictory to the North American manufacturing structure. A WPC is considered as a competitive material mainly in the field of the window and door industry and outdoor furniture products. The first part of this paper deals briefly with the history of WPC as a product and introduces a general description on the production process. The second part of the paper presents European market trends and market segmentation and some common product and sales attributes for WPCs.
Key words: wood plastic composite, markets, wooden products
Tomczak, A., Pazdrowski, W. and Jelonek, T. 2007. Distribution of Intermediate and Mature Wood on the Longitudinal Cross Section of the Tree Trunk and Selected Biometric Traits of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Baltic Forestry 13 (1): 116-125
The study presents an analysis of the occurrence of transition and mature wood in the stem profile of Scots pine trees. For this purpose, 10 experimental plots were established in the Miastko Forest District, which comprised two forest site types, fresh coniferous forest and fresh mixed coniferous forest, as well as five age classes, i.e. class II, III, IV, V and VI, and in each plot three model trees were selected.
Correlations were found e.g. between the eight of the tree, the length and diameter of its crown and the vertical range of the occurrence of transition and mature wood. The described correlations may be used as an easy method for the determination of the vertical range of the occurrence of transition and mature wood. In addition, it has been demonstrated that in the stem profile both the transition and mature wood is formed in this zone of the stem on which the live part of the crown is set.
Key words: Pinus sylvestris, biometric traits, transition wood, mature wood, stem profile, crown