Predicting the Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of Logs at the Standing Tree Stage: A Site-Specific Approach to Streamline Log Trading

As wooden buildings become larger and taller, wood properties such as the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn), a criterion for evaluating structural timber, are becoming increasingly important. However, the MOEdyn of logs is rarely considered in forestry management. In this study, standing trees that can produce logs with high MOEdyn at the standing tree stage were identified to facilitate log sales decisions based on the MOEdyn values. In the generalized linear mixed model-based prediction of log MOEdyn, bucking position and site index were selected as random effects. Incorporating random effects improved the coefficient of determination to 0.651, and log MOEdyn could be predicted using the site index class, which reflects site productivity. The results indicate that detailed site conditions conventionally used to assess forest productivity are also useful for predicting the MOEdyn of logs before harvesting. Moreover, the MOEdyn of logs estimated at the standing tree stage can inform decisions regarding appropriate sales destinations.