Wpływ siedliska na wybrane właściwości strukturalne i fizyko-mechaniczne drewna brzozy brodawkowatej (Betula pendula Roth.)

The aim of the research was to determine the habitat−related variation in the selected structural and physical−mechanical properties of silver birch. Two sample plots were established in the territory of the Biała Podlaska Forest District in eastern Poland. Samples for measurement were taken from the plots with trees aged 45−50 years growing in the fresh deciduous (Lśw) and fresh mixed deciduous (LMśw) forest habitats. The following properties were subjected to statistical analysis: the average width of annual rings, wood density determined for the samples of 20×20×300 mm, 20×20×30 mm, and 30×2.66×0.1 mm in size (the last dimension parallel to grain), tensile strength parallel to grain, compression strength parallel to grain, static bending, modulus of elasticity in static bending and the coefficients of tensile strength parallel to grain, compression parallel to grain, static bending, and modulus of elasticity in static bending. The research confirmed a significant effect of the habitat on the mean values of birch wood density for all examined sample sizes, tensile strength parallel to grain, static bending and modulus of elasticity in static bending. No significant effect of the habitat on the mean values of annual ring width, tensile strength parallel to grain and the coefficients of tensile strength parallel to grain, compression strength parallel to grain, static bending and modulus of elasticity in static bending for birch wood samples was found.