Wood quality of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, Linn.f) under different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis) is globally recognized for its exceptional wood quality, making it one of the most sought-after timbers in the world. Teak is visually appealing because of its fine grain and golden-brown hue, and its dimensional stability ensures minimal warping or cracking under various environmental conditions. Wood quality is further influenced by factors such as growth conditions, silvicultural practices, and genetic variability. Although variations in heartwood density and proportion may have an impact on its performance, plantation-grown teak has become a viable substitute for natural forests. Wood fractionation analysis was undertaken by collecting wood samples from all four agroclimatic zones in Tamil Nadu, India of both boundary and block plantations in three different age classes, viz., 5–10, 10–15, and 15–20 years. Wood density, heartwood, sapwood, and bark content were analyzed using species specific allometric equations. Wood density attained a maximum of 0.80 g cm3 in boundary plantations of the Western agroclimatic zone in the 15- to 20-year age class. The same Western zone (WZ) registered the maximum heartwood volume of 0.433 m3 and maximum bark content volume of 0.097 m3 in the same age class. Similarly, maximum sapwood volume in the same age class in the Cauvery Delta zone was 0.141 m3. Trees from the WZ had higher heartwood ratios, suggesting that these trees might more durable