Improving returns from southern pine plantations through innovative resource characterisation

Abstract

The southern pine resource includes slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) [PEE], Caribbean pine (P. caribaea var. hondurensis) [PCH] and a locally-developed hybrid [PEE × PCH] (hybrid pine). These pines as well as smaller areas of loblolly pine (P. taeda) have been the main taxa planted in the coastal areas of southern Queensland and subcoastal areas of northern New South Wales for the last 25 years.
The standard structural grade ranking of the southern pine resource is limited by its stiffness as characterised by the measurement of the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). The MOE dictates the mechanical grade of the board (or other structural products, extracted from the log). A board’s market value is directly linked to its stress grade based on individual grading performance (e.g. MGP10). For example, 1 m³ of structural board (i.e. MGP10 and above) is worth about $350 whereas non-structural board (i.e. <MGP10) is worth about $80. Based on the importance of MOE, this report focusses on it as the key attribute for the southern pine.
Non-destructive tools that accurately measure board MOE will allow enhanced genetic selection, site matching, harvest planning schedules, improved allocation of the resource to different processors and facilitate improved processor settings and product performance.