Deterioration of Southern Pine Pulpwood During Storage

Rough and peel pulpwood of southern pine stored in July and October 1948 and May 1949 at Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sampled at intervals during one year of storage. For rough bolts, specific gravity was reduced about 7 percent after 4 months in late spring and summer compared to 2 percent for late fall and winter. Approximate losses after 6 months were 8, 5, and 8 to 9 percent for the July-, October-, and May-cut groups respectively. For peeled bolts, greatest reductions in specific gravity occurred during the first 2 to 4 months of storage and later losses were related to abnormally wet weather. After 6 months, losses were 6, 3, and 3 percent for the July-, October-, and May-cut groups. The percent volume of wood with decay was a fairly accurate criterion of specific gravity losses in rough bolts; with 25, 50, and 75 percent of the wood decayed, specific gravity was reduced by 4 to 6, 6 to 8, and 10 to 12 percent. Sapstain developed early but was later obliterated by decay. The tests indicated that losses in specific and pulp yields of 3 to 5 percent can be expected within about 2 months of summer and 5 to 6 months of fall and winter storage in the south. Rough bolts are likely to show less deterioration than peeled ones. With longer storage there will be a progressive advantage from peeling. Season is largely important for periods under 9 months; for these periods fall storage will reduce losses appreciably. Practices which attempt to reduce deterioration by hastening drying are important only for peeled wood. For rough wood, deterioration can be reduced by fall storage for periods of up to 9 months, and by choosing bolts which are as large and as long as possible. For peeled wood, deterioration can be reduced by hastening of drying through improved ventilation of the ricks, choosing small bolts for storage, and splitting them.

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