How can Resistance Drilling technology help transform Australia’s softwood industry?
Over the past decade, FWPA research has explored cost-effective ways to measure wood quality in softwood plantations for commercial use. By 2020, many growers and processors were using resistance drilling (Resi) technology.
This FWPA funded project led by Associate Professor David Lee from the University of the Sunshine Coast, linked mid-rotation growth and wood properties to their value at harvest. Resi data was integrated with YTGen to create tables for predicting yield and wood density, serving as a valuable tool for mill production, tree breeding and forest management.
The key project findings were shared in an online workshop held on August 21, focused on how using mid-rotation growth data can help estimate the commercial value of timber at harvest. Watch the workshop recording via this link.
The project included five main areas of work:
- Standardising Resi use: Ensuring consistent and accurate application of Resi technology across the industry.
- Linking Resi to mill output: Examining how Resi data predicts wood quality in sawmills and its potential for forecasting harvest age properties.
- Connecting Resi to yield and value: Developing models to estimate wood yield and density, as well as integrating these into YTGen software.
- Early selection for wood quality: Investigating how early and mid-rotation wood properties can predict quality at harvest, affecting breeding and management practices.
- Environmental factors: Studying how environmental conditions impact wood properties and testing models that predict these effects.
The project has already had uptake across the industry. Resi data now accurately predicts board stiffness, improving management and pricing of softwood plantation timber. Over thirty Resi instruments have been bought for regular use in inventory and supply management. Additionally, YTGen software now features enhanced models for predicting wood quality.
The final project report will be released later this year. For more details about the project or to access the workshop recording, click buttons below.
