INFLUENCE OF PLANTATION AGE ON CHARACTERISTICS OF Gmelina arborea
Introduction
Because of its variability and the directional nature of its basic structure, wood presents a unique challenge in use. These are the sources of some of its appealing features, but they must also be handled and applied in ways that are appropriate for good end use. More specifically, the ways in which the structural features of a particular species determine their properties and limit their uses and applications can be studied (Jayeolaet al., 2009). Many attempts to define wood quality have been made (Keith 1985), but the definition proposed by (Mitchell 1961) appears to be the most widely cited: “Wood quality is the result of a tree’s or a part of a tree’s physical and chemical characteristics that enable it to meet the requirements.” property specifications for various end products”. Wood quality must be defined in terms of the value of its end products because wood properties affect various aspects of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the definition must include serviceability and cover end-user attributes that may or may not have a direct impact on manufacturing but will continue to matter long after the product has been sold and installed. Cellulosic elements derived from trees, straw, bamboo, cotton seed, hemp, sugarcane, and other sources are commonly used to make wood fibres.