In this context, the aim of the present study was to determine the predictive accuracy of non-destructive analysis of the MOEd in standing trees and logs of a 22-year-old poplar clone and to examine the relationship with MOEs in sawn specimens. A different solution to determine wood quality is based on the application of non-destructive technology (NDT). Mechanical tests of wood require the felling of trees with the correlated preparation of the specimens. However, this approach does not provide a good indicator of the physical or mechanical properties of wood. The traditional properties of these traits, based only on visual characteristics, can outline a classification based on the macroscopic properties of wood with the aim of defining the volume of recoverable wood. The quality of wood can be defined via traditional visual methods based on the experience of technicians or using traditional tools, such as incremental drills and sound hammers. From this aspect, the identification of wood quality represents a primary objective for researchers and private landowners.
The characterization of poplar wood assumes a strategic position to increase the competitiveness of the entire forest wood supply chain. These results suggest that the acoustic velocity is sensitive to equilibrium moisture content of loblolly pine and this sensitivity depends on the type of acoustic tool used. However, the mean velocity of the Resonance tool is significantly higher than that of Microsecond Timer. The change is rather slow about 5.8m/s and 4.6m/s for EMC above fiber saturation point. The results indicate the acoustic velocity decreases by 27.5m/s and 28.8m/s for Microsecond Timer and the Resonance tools respectively for unit increase in EMC below fiber saturation point. In this study, we explored how the equilibrium moisture content of small clear wood samples (2.5cm x 2.5cm x 41cm) affect the predictive capabilities of two acoustic tools namely Fakopp Microsecond Timer and Fakopp Resonance Log Grader. Even though the fundamental principles underlying their operations are similar, their sensitivity to moisture in wood might differ. The use of acoustic techniques as a nondestructive tool for rapid assessment of quality properties of wood is gaining grounds and there are several acoustic tools commercially available.