SITE INFLUENCE ON THE MORPHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GIANT BAMBOO (<em>DENDROCALAMUS</em> <em>ASPER</em>) IN BUKIDNON PROVINCE, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Bamboo is known for its versatility and adaptability with many potential uses. However, there is very limited information on the influence of the conditions of growth site on the properties of bamboo poles. This study was done to compare selected morphological, physical and mechanical properties of Giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) growing in two different sites — along a river bank (riparian) and in upland areas (far from a water body). Eighteen culms of 3–4 years old Giant bamboo were randomly selected and harvested from three clumps, in each of the two predetermined sites in the province of Bukidnon, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Results showed that, on average, upland bamboos had higher specific gravity, thinner culm wall and lower moisture content (MC) than riparian bamboo. The bending strength of the culms from the two sites was consistent with the physical properties trend, with the poles grown in upland sites being better in bending than poles in riparian sites. Statistically, only the MC, culm wall thickness, specific gravity, volumetric shrinkage and swelling, and radial swelling were significantly different between the riparian and upland bamboo poles. The study’s findings attest to the influence of growth site as a factor that could affect some of the morphological and physical properties of Giant bamboo.