Seasonal Moisture Content of Loblolly and Slash Pine

This study was planned to determine whether the moisture content of southern pine trees varies with season of the year and, if it does, to determine the magnitude of variation and its effect on the weight per cubic foot of southern pine timber. Plantation-grown loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) trees approximately 30 years old and 10 inches d.b.h. were selected at locations in the coastal plain of south Georgia and the piedmont of South Carolina. Trees were sampled at 3-month intervals beginning in October. Disks for moisture content samples were cut at 5.5-foot intervals up the stem from the butt to a top diameter of approximately 2 inches inside bark. Analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference in tree moisture content or weight per cubic foot with season of the year for either species. This study indicates that constant weight factors for southern pine can be used throughout the year without the need for seasonal adjustment.

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