Variation of selected physical properties of the wood of clonal eucalyptus GU in Mubende district central Uganda

Abstract

Insufficient knowledge on Ugandan grown Clonal Eucalyptus grand is × urophylla (GU-7) wood properties, high demand and processing led to the study into its physical properties. The study aimed at providing information on the variation of selected physical properties with tree height of the wood of 4 year old clonal Eucalyptus grand is× urophylla (GU-7) grown in Mubende District; determine the variation of basic density with tree height, determine the variation of volumetric shrinkage and volumetric swelling with tree height and also determine the rate of drying with tree height. Trees with good bole were harvested from Mubende District in central Uganda to produce specimens as prescribed by British Standards and East African Standards wood testing procedures. Secondary data review and statistical analysis used ANOVA and Tukey’s test to obtain the variation of the selected physical properties with tree height. The study revealed that the variation of basic density (P=0.200), volumetric swelling (P=0.295) and rate of drying(P=0.992)were not significant while that of volumetric shrinkage(P=0.043)was significant. Depending on the results, any part the tree (butt, middle and top) can serve the same purpose during utilization. Further more, a similar study in other clones varying other parameters at different ages of growth and sites should be carried out and also this wood should not be used for heavy construction because it’s still juvenile. Key Words: Eucalyptus, Grandis, Urophylla, GU-7, Basic Density, Volumetric Shrinkage, Volumetric Swelling, Rate of Drying.