The goal of this study was to develop model equations to predict the production of special posts from aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) deresinated trees. Resin tapping causes some changes in the wood structure around the applied tapped area as a result of the resination of wood cells. Local communities have started to use timber from deresinated aleppo pine trees to produce small-sized posts for agriculture and green house use. The experimental sample consisted of 120 logs from the Sithonia peninsula forest in northern Greece. The logs were processed in a local sawmill to produce posts of four different sizes for agriculture use. The final product was 2-m-long posts measuring 4 by 4, 5 by 5, 6 by 6, and 8 by 8 cm. Posts measuring 4 by 4, 5 by 5, and 6 by 6 cm were to be used for field tomato cultivation and 8 by 8-cm posts were for use in vineyards. Linear regression model equations were developed for each post product. The models predicted the number of posts produced in relation to the diameter at the middle of the log and its utilized volume. On the basis of 120 logs processed, it was possible to draw secure associations using this model. Statistical analysis showed that the mean diameter effect was the most pronounced in all models.
Contributor Notes
The authors are, respectively, Researcher, Forest Engineer, and Emeritus Researcher, Forest Research Inst., 570 06, Vassilika, Thessaloniki, Greece (cgalis@fri.gr, spyroglou@fri.gr, papajan@otenet.gr). This paper was received for publication in April 2011. Article no. 11-00054.