Sawmill Yield of Pinus taeda Logs: Large Assortments

ABSTRACT

The supply of the timber industry with small diameter logs, derived from young forest plantations, has become a growing practice, leading many to question both the sawing process and the quality of the products obtained from these logs. In this context, the purpose of this study was to quantify the sawmill yield and financial aspects of Pinus taeda logs (20 to 57 cm diameter), produced in a 30 year-old rotation system with up to four thinning processes. It was possible to verify that the larger the log diameter at the smaller end, the greater the industrial yield. Statistical differences in yield were detected as from diameters of 35 and 45 cm. The relative economic benefits between small (20 to 25 cm) and large (>45 cm) diameter assortments were similar, but greater than those from intermediate (25 to 35 cm) diameter assortments.

Keywords:
conversion factor; economic benefit.