Abstract

The selection of Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) logs for higher value-added products is complex, due to the presence of radial and longitudinal splits as a result of growth stress, which reduces their utilization in solid products. The objective of this research was to determine the limited time for the utilization of the logs to increase their use in higher value-added products. Forty trees with two 4 m logs were used. The radius (rt), radial, and end-splitting along the log (Rlong) were measured on days 0 and 1 in the forest and later on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, at the Universidad del Bi = o-Bi = o, where they remained under sprinkler irrigation and covered with polyethylene plastic. The relative splitting index (SI) was determined as (Rmax/rt) per log. The results showed that there were significant differences in the maximum end splitting indicator (Rmax) with log height and storage time. The SI indicator showed significant differences with storage time, being a better fit than Rmax. The linear model that showed the relationship between the external openings of the splits and the longitudinal split had a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.77. In conclusion the use of Eucalyptus nitens wood is conditioned by the initial quality of logs that enter the mechanical transformation process, storage time of fewer than 7 d, use the second log and have a diameter greater than or equal to 40 cm, with radial splits at the ends less than 75% (SI 5 # 75*rt %) of the radius and consider an oversize of at least 20 cm at each end of the log.