Effect of Seasonality on Bulk Density, Moisture Content, And Specific Gravity of Loblolly Pine Tree-Length Pulpwood Logs in Southern Arkansas‪.‬

Abstract The effects of seasonality on the weight and bulk density of 183 loblolly pine pulpwood trees in southern Arkansas were investigated. Six trees were measured and weighed from each of eight stands during each season over a 1-year period. Data from nine trees were lost due to wet conditions. Two stands each were used for 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-inch diameter at breast height class trees. It was found that the bulk density varied by season from a low of 66.4 lb/[ft.sup.3] in the winter to a high of 71.6 lb/[ft.sup.3] in the spring. Moisture content (MC) also varied by season but specific gravity was constant within a stand throughout the year indicating bulk density differences were MC related.