Interference of Edaphoclimatic Variations on Nondestructive Parameters Measured in Standing Trees

The diversity of commercial tree planting sites, with their distinct environmental conditions, directly influences tree growth and consequently impacts the wood properties in various ways. However, there is limited research evaluating the impact of these variations in nondestructive testing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether edaphoclimatic variations affect parameters obtained through nondestructive tests conducted on standing trees. To this end, 30 specimens were selected from 3 Eucalyptus sp. clones, aged 1, 3, and 4 years, grown in 2 regions, totaling 540 trees. Tree development was monitored quarterly over 12 months. The tests included ultrasound propagation, drilling resistance, and penetration resistance, and the trees were measured for diameter at breast height (DBH) and height. Among the edaphoclimatic factors evaluated, only temperature and soil water storage differed statistically between the two study regions. The higher temperature and lower soil water storage in region 2 promoted tree growth, with these trees showing greater drilling resistance and higher longitudinal wave velocities. In addition, the influence of climatic factors was evidenced by the variation of wave propagation velocity throughout the year. Periods of lower water availability resulted in higher velocities, while periods of greater precipitation were associated with lower velocities. The research results showed that temperature and soil water storage had significant effects on tree growth (DBH and height), as well as ultrasound wave propagation velocity and drilling resistance.