• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.68-77
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• 2006

The heartwood of cengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii) is known to have a high degree of decay resistance by virtue of its high extractive content. After 30 years in ground contact an utility pole of this tropical hardwood was found to be degraded only in the surface layers by cavity-forming soft rot fungi. The present work was undertaken 1) to characterize the degradation of cengal heartwood from the aspect of ultrastructure and chemistry and 2) to investigate the correlation between soft rot decay and its extractive microdistribution in wood tissues. The chemical analysis of cengal heartwood revealed the presence of a high amount of extractives as well as lignin. The wood contained a relatively high amount of condensed lignin and the guaiacyl units. Microscopic observations revealed that vessels, fibers and parenchyma cells (both ray and axial parenchyma) all contained extractives in their lumina, but in variable amounts. The lumina of fibers and most axial parenchyma were completely or almost completely filled with the extractives. TEM micrographs showed that cell walls were also impregnated with extractives and that pit membranes connecting parenchyma cells were well coated and impregnated with extractives. However, fungal hyphae were present in the extractive masses localized in cell lumina, and indications were that the extractives did not completely inhibit fungal growth. The extent of cell wall degradation varied with tissue types. The fibers appeared to be more susceptible to decay than vessels and parenchyma. Middle lamella was the only cell wall region which remained intact in all cell types which were severely degraded. The microscopic observations suggested a close correlation between extractive microdistribution and the pattern and extent of cell wall degradation. In addition to the toxicity to fungi, the physical constraint of the extractive material present in cengal heartwood cells is likely to have a profound effect on the growth and path of invasion of colonizing fungi, thus conferring protection to wood by restricting fungal entry into cell walls. The presence of relatively high amount of condensed lignin is also likely to be a factor in the resistance of cengal heartwood to soft rot decay.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.574-590
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• 2021

International efforts to prevent illegally logged wood are expanding around the world. The "Legal Wood Trade Promotion System" was enacted in Korea in 2019 to strengthen the legal import and distribution of commercial wood in Korea. Since then, this system has promoted and ensured that the imported wood and wood products are legal with respect to the country of origin, wood species, and harvested area. As verification methods, DNA analysis technology and anatomical analysis using a microscope are mainly used in conjunction. Therefore, in this study, wood species of plywood were identified by analyzing the anatomical characteristics of various wood products for the first time. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco.) and larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carriere) plywoods (7, 9 ply) were obtained from four companies that supply plywood in Korea. After cutting each company's plywood to a size of about 1 cm³, the layers from top to bottom were separated into single layers, and three sections were observed using an optical microscope. The results revealed that the plywood was composed of a mixture of softwood and hardwood wood species, pine wood species, poplar wood species, or a mixture of larch and pine wood species. Identification of wood species using microscopy is important and can enable the scientific analysis and verification of various wood products, including plywood, imported from countries where the likelihood of indiscriminate distribution of illegal wood and illegal logging is high.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.2
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• pp.198-209
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• 2021

This study evaluated the effects of the dimensional characteristics of containers on the nitrogen status of Quercus serrata, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, and Zelkova serrata in the container nursery stage. Seedlings were grown using 16 container types [four growing densities (100, 144, 196, and 256 seedlings/m²) × four cavity volumes (220, 300, 380, and 460 cm³/cavity)]. Two-way ANOVA was performed to test the differences in nitrogen concentration and seedling content among container types. Additionally, we performed multiple regression analyses to correlate container dimensions and nitrogen content. Container types had a strong influence on nitrogen concentration and the content of the seedling species, with a significant interaction effect between growing density and cavity volume. Cavity volumes were positively correlated with the nitrogen content of the three seedling species, whereas growing density negatively affected those of F. rhynchophylla. Further, nutrient vector analysis revealed that the seedling nutrient loading capacities of the three species, such as efficiency and accumulation, were altered because of the different fertilization effects by container types. The optimal ranges of container dimension by each tree species, obtained multiple regression analysis with nitrogen content, were found to be approximately 180-210 seedlings/m² and 410-460 cm³/cavity for Q. serrata, 100-120 seedlings/m² and 350-420 cm³/cavity for F. rhynchophylla, and 190-220 seedlings/m² and 380-430 cm³/cavity for Z. serrata. This study suggests that an adequate type of container will improve seedling quality with higher nutrient loading capacity production in nursery stages and increase seedling growth in plantation stages.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.71 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 1985

This study was carried out in order to prevent the devaluation of wood itself and wood products causing by anisotropy, hygroscopicity, shrinkage and swelling - properties that wood itself only have, in order to improve utility of wood, by emphasizing the natural beautiful figures of wood, to develop the dimensional stabilization techniques of wood with PEG that it is a cheap, non-toxic and the impregnation treatment is not difficult, on the effects of PEG molecular weights (200, 400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, 6000) and species (Pinus densiflora S. et Z., Larix leptolepis Gordon., Cryptomeria japonica D. Don., Cornus controversa Hemsl., Quercus variabilis Blume., Prunus sargentii Rehder.). The results were as follows; 1) PEG loading showed the maximum value (137.22%, Pinus densiflora, in PEG 400), the others showed that relatively slow decrease. The lower specific gravity, the more polymer loading. 2) Bulking coefficient didn't particularly show the correlation with specific gravity, for the most part, indicated the maximum values in PEG 600, except that the bulking coefficient of Quercus variabilis distributed between the range of 12-18% in PEG 400-2000. In general, the bulking coefficient of hardwood was higher than that of softwood. 3) Although there was more or less an exception according to species, volumetric swelling reduction was the greatest in PEG 400. That is, its value of Cryptomeria japonica was the greatest value with 95.0%, the others indicated more than 80% except for Prunus sargentii, while volumetric swelling reduction was decreased less than 70% as the molecular weight increase more than 1000. 4) The relative effectiveness of hardwood with high specific gravity was outstandingly higher than softwood. In general, the relative effectiveness of low molecular weight PEG was superior to those of high molecular weight PEG except that Quercus variabilis showed more than 1.6 to the total molecular weight range, while it was no significant difference as the molecular weight increase more than 4000. 5) According to the analysis of the results mentioned above, the dimensional stabilization of hardwood was more effective than softwood. Although volumetric swelling reduction was the greatest at a molecular weight of 400. In the view of polymer loading, bulking coefficiency reduction of swelling and relative effectiveness, it is desirable to use the mixture of PEG of molecular weight in the range of 200-1500. To practical use, it is recommended to study about the effects on the mixed ratio on the bulking coefficient, reduction of swelling and relative effectiveness.

• Journal of the Korea Furniture Society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2018

A study was carried out to observe the 1% aqueous safranine solution flow speed in longitudinal and radial directions of softwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides, diffuse-porous wood Anthocephalus cadamba and ring-porouswood Fraxinus rhynchophylla. In radial direction, ray cells and in longitudinal direction, tracheids, vessel and wood fiber were considered for the measurement of liquid penetration speed at less than 12% moisture contents (MC). The length, lumen diameter, pit diameter, end wall pit diameter and the numbers of end wall pits determined for the flow rate. The liquid flow in the those cells was captured via video and the capillary flow rate in the ones were measured. Vessel in hardwood species and tracheids in softwood was found to facilitate prime role in longitudinal penetration. Anatomical features like the length and diameter, end-wall pit numbers of ray parenchyma were found also responsible fluid flow differences. On the other hand, vessel and fiber structure affected the longitudinal flow of liquids. Therefore, the average liquid penetration depth in longitudinal tracheids of Metasequoia glyptostroboides was found the highest among all cells considered in Anthocephalus cadamba and Fraxinus rhynchophylla In radial direction, ray parenchyma of Metasequoia glyptostroboides was found the highest depth and the one of Fraxinus rhynchophylla was the lowest. The solution was penetrated lowest depth in the wood fiber of Fraxinus rhynchophylla. The large vessel of Fraxinus rhynchophylla was found the lowest depth among the vessels. The solutin was penetrated to the wood fiber of Anthocephalus cadamba higher than the one of Fraxinus rhynchophylla.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.194-195
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• 1982

Recommendaton: These are the highlights of the findings of the Timber Consumption Survey carried out by the Project in 1966, and covering consumption for the period from 1961 to 1965. The survey was oriented towards consumption for structural, commercial and industrial purposes and existing estimates for local (village-level) consumption as fuel and the like were adopted. A full report on the survey was submitted to the Bureau of Forestry in 1966. Long-term Trends: After allowance for anticipated population increase, this ten year's increase in industrial wood consumption represents a gain of about 30% in per capita consumption (from 0.0913 cu.m. per capita to 0.118 cu.m. per capita). This is only about half the expected general economic growth of about 75% (7% per annum). It is therefore likely (a) that the 1975 estimate is conservative, (b) that the consumption demand beyond 1975 may be expected to build up at a greatly increased rate. Estimated income elasticity coefficients are high, and with expected ir,creases in prosperity and population, the consumption is expected to rise to 10 million cu. meters by the year 2,000. Consumption Pattern: The breakdown of industrial consumption (1965) is given in Table 4-2, showing sawnwood consumption as the most important in 1965. The upward trend in all sectors over the 1961-65 period is expected to continue. The general consumption pattern is expected to change through 1975 with a sharp increase in the relative importance of pulp products (to 30% of total consumption) offset by declining relative importance of sawlogs. The following recommendations follow from the study: (i) Industrial forests. - A programme of establishment of consolidated industrial forests should be initiated as a matter of urgency. (ii) Fuelwood forests - Properly sited, protected and managed fuelwood forest, worked on a 20-year rotation, should be established as a nation wide basis. (iii) Hardwood utilization - Detailed investigations are required into the use of indigenous hardwoods for the pulp, particle board and hardboard industries. (iv) Mining timber - Preservation treatment of all mining timber should be enforced by law. (v) Sawmills - Licencing restrictions should be enforced to reduce the number of small, inefficient sawmills. b. Extension work should be undertaken bv government to improve sawmilling practices.

• Journal of the Korea Furniture Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.88-93
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• 2017

A study was carried out to observe the 1% aqueous safranine solution flow speed in longitudinal and radial directions of softwood Larix kaempferi (Lamb.)Carriere, diffuse-porous wood Betula davurica Pall.. and ring-porouswood Castanea crenata S.etZ. In radial direction, ray cells and in longitudinal direction, tracheids, vessel and wood fiber were considered for the measurement of liquid penetration speed at less than 12% moisture contents (MC). The length, lumen diameter, pit diameter, end wall pit diameter and the numbers of end wall pits determined for the flow rate. The liquid flow in the those cells was captured via video and the capillary flow rate in the ones were measured. Vessel in hardwood species and tracheids in softwood was found to facilitate prime role in longitudinal penetration. Anatomical features like the length and diameter, end-wall pit numbers of ray parenchyma were found also responsible fluid flow differences. On the other hand, vessel and fiber structure affected the longitudinal flow of liquids. Therefore, the average liquid penetration depth in longitudinal tracheids of Larix kaempferi was found the highest among all cells considered in Betula davurica and Castanea crenata, In radial direction, ray parenchyma of Larix kaempferi was found the highest depth and the one of Betula davurica was the lowest. The solution was penetrated lowest depth in the wood fiber of Castanea crenata. The large vessel of Castanea crenata was found the lowest depth among the vessels. The solutin was penetrated to the wood fiber of Betula davurica higher than the one of Castanea crenata.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 2001

Vegetational changes along elevational and topographical gradients were studied in Mt. Jumbong which is located at the core area of the Mt. Sorak Biosphere Reserve in Kangwon-do Province in central Korea. Two 500 m north-south transects crossing two valleys and a small ridge were laid out, and fifty-one 10 m$\times$10 m permanent quadrats were systematically set up. All trees bigger than 2.5 cm DBH were marked with numbered aluminum tags, and their DBH measured and the species identified. Coverage of plant species in the herb layer were determined in two 2 m $\times$ 2 m subquadrats in each of the permanent quadrats. Thirty-two species of woody plants occurred in the tree layer in the permanent quadrats studied. Quercus mongolica was the dominant species across the study site, and Acer pseudosieboldianum and Carpinus cordata were also important. Quercus mongolica occurred on the ridges and south-facing slopes, and Acer pseudosieboldianum occurred extensively except for valleys. In contrast, Fraxinus mandshurica, Acer mono, Acer triflorum, and Ulmus laciniata were common in valleys. At the herbaceous layer, 112 species were identified. Dominant species were Ainsliaea acerifolia and Sasa borealis on the ridges, Meehania urticifolia on north-facing slopes, and Deutzia glabrata on valleys. Soil environmental factors were compared among the quadrats. pH was lower in the quadrats located on ridges and south-facing slopes, and organic matter was lowest on south-facing slopes. Quadrats located on valleys were generally higher in pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg. DCA ordinations for tree layer and herb layer were carried out in order to identify the dominant environmental factors affecting the distribution of plant species along the environmental gradients. Correlation analysis between ordination axis scores and environmental factors showed that axis one was negatively correlated with elevation and positively correlated with soil organic matter, pH, Ca, Mg, and P, but that axis two was positively correlated with elevation. These results indicate that vegetation responds very sensitively to elevational and topographical gradients although the study area is relatively small with about 100 m in elevational variation.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.34-42
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• 1991

Protection of tropical forest affects on significant reduce of tropical hardwood supply, and softwood resources will be increasingly important for the timber security in Korea. U.S. softwood log was most favorite species for Korean softwood log importers in overall import conditions except price stablization and consistency of export policy. Reduced export volume from Pacific Northwest to Korean market has been immediately replenished by rediata pine from New Zealand and Chilean plantation. Siberian timber will hardly play major roles in Korean timber market unless budding structure. softwood plywood and softwood furniture uses are enhanced. Recent rapid rise of labor cost and reducing tariff rrate in Korea provided better opportunities for import lumber in building materials market. Dry dimension lumber was relatively profitable when processed from import U.S. soft-wood log while green lumber was favorable products processed from radiata pine log in Korean lumber market. This means U.S. softwood lumber would have better opportunity to market for '2${\times}$'4 studs when wood frame housing is introduced. On the other hand while radiata pine is competitive on temporary construction lumber such as supporter and concrete forming frame in Korea. Shortage of raw material for the new capacity of board plants in Korea will be it bottle neck. Major log export countries to Korea as U.S. New Zealand and Chile showed high trade intensity indices of composite hoard produces for Korean market. As Korea efforts to diversify import sources, and tariffs are reduced to 8% as scheduled by 1994. countries of scoring higher comparative advantages as Portugal. Brazil, Austria as well as New Zealand will have better opportunity to penetrate into promised Korean composites hoard market.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-28
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• 2007

We investigated the changes in the species of the woods used for Korean ancient and historic architectures, which include prehistoric excavated relics and existing wooden buildings in South Korea. The species data were collected from various sources such as excavation and repair reports, journal papers, and a few unpublished documents. We divided the building Periods as Paleolithic, Neolitic, Bronze Ages, Iron Age/Three Kingdoms, Koryo, Joseon (early, middle, late) and modem periods. In prehistoric periods, hardwoods were major species. Oak (Quercus spp.) woods dominated (94 percent in average); the others (5%) were Juglans mandshurica, Platycarya strobilacea, Castanea crenata, and few softwoods(1%). During Iron Age and Three Kingdom periods, oaks remained as a major species (57%) and others Platycarya strobilacea(21%), Castanea crenata(13%), and Pinus spp. (6%). The oak woods decreased in Koryo period and they occupied only 1.1%. Instead of oaks, pine (Pinus spp., 71%) and Zelkova serrata (22%) dominated in Koryo. In early and middle Joseon periods, pine woods (73%) remain as a major species and the others were oaks (14%) and Zelkova serrata (9%). As late Joseon came, the pine woods occupied more than 88%. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a few boreal species such as larch (Larix spp.) and spruce (Picea spp.), which grow in cold area, were found. We believe they were transported from northern Korea. The existing buildings in Korea are mainly from Joseon period and a few from late Koryo periods. During these periods, pine woods were used for most buildings. For such reason, pine woods were known as 'representative materials for historic buildings'. but earlier times, broad-leaved trees, i.e., oak and Zelkova woods were major materials. The changes in building materials resulted from both climate and human impacts. The dry climate and disturbed forests induce more pines in the mountains. We also compared the wood qualities of the species and found that Zelkova woods were superior ones and deserved more planting for future demands in the repair for historic buildings.