Testing and evaluation of some low value wood species grown in Kalam (Swat), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Testing and evaluation of some low value wood species grown in Kalam (Swat), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Tanvir Hussain, Zahid Rauf and G. M. Nasir
ABSTRACT
A study was carried out to find the technological properties supportive to improve quality of three lesser known wood species before utilization grown in Kalam, Swat. Standard samples and wood sections were prepared from butt logs of each species to observe the structural features and determine physico-mechanical properties. Anatomical results revealed that Kasunder wood may be medium, Geiray better and Quercus wood may be good in strength. The wood of all the species may be less resistant to biological agents however, the seasoning and preservation behaviour of the woods may be slow. Based on the results of strength properties the wood of Fraxinus xynthoxyloides and Alnus nitida can be used in making items where minimum forces and loads act on the wood. Quercus wood has very good machining, nailing, carving, routing properties and can be used in making agricultural implements and tool handles. Further, the wood of Fraxinus xynthoxyloides and Alnus nitida can also be used as raw material for pulp and paper manufacture, however Quercus wood may not be suitable.
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June 2015
Vol. 65, Iss. 2
