EFFECTS OF FERTILISER ON WOOD PROPERTIES OF PLANTATION GROWN <em>ACACIA</em> <em>MANGIUM</em>

Abstract

The wood properties of 6 - y - old Acacia mangium applied with different combinations of N and P fertilisers during its early growth were studied. Differences in height and diameter growth increment and basic density were found to be insignificant at all levels of treatment. Nitrogen application appeared to have some effects in improving the heartwood to sapwood ratio. An interaction was also observed between portions of disc and fertiliser treatment. Combination of P and N improved the mechanical strength of timber while with N alone, the strength appeared to decrease.