A method for estimating tree ring density by coupling CT scanning and ring width measurements: application to the analysis of the ring width–ring density relationship in Picea abies trees

Key Message The original method proposed provides useful data for the analysis of ring density variations in stems, highlighting the particular behaviour observed at the base of the tree. Abstract Tree growth in volume and wood density are the two factors that determine tree biomass. They are important for assessing wood quality and resource availability. Analysing and modelling the relationships between these two factors are important for improving silvicultural practices of softwoods like Norway spruce, for which a negative relationship is generally observed between ring width and ring density. We describe an original method for obtaining ring density data ( RD ) by coupling conventional ring width measurements ( RW ) and air-dry density measurements obtained with X-ray computer tomography at high-speed but with lower resolution than the RW data. The method was applied to 200 discs of Norway spruce trees sampled in a plantation to assess its relevance. The RW – RD relationship was analysed as a function of cambial age and disc height in the stem. Descriptive statistical models were developed and compared to models in the literature. These models made it possible to analyse the variations of RD as a function of height in the tree at a given cambial age or for a given calendar year and also to observe a shift in the juvenile wood–mature wood boundary between the bottom of the tree and the rest of the stem. The RD – RW relationship was observed in the juvenile wood at the base of the stem but not in the juvenile wood higher up. Furthermore, the juvenile wood formed at the base of the tree was denser than the juvenile wood formed higher up and the mature wood formed at the same height. In conclusion, the proposed method was found to be relevant, especially when wood discs are readily available, and the results obtained highlighted the importance of distinguishing juvenile wood formed at the base of the tree from that formed higher up.