Variability of selected features of macrostructure and density of spruce wood from commercial stands and post-mining areas

The aim of this work was to analyze the tree−ring width, the share of the latewood as well as the density of wood of trees growing in commercial and degraded stands. The research was carried out in the Brynek Forest District (southern Poland) in 3 commercial stands and in 4 degraded stands. For every study plot fifteen spruces were chosen and increment cores were sampled using the Pressler borer. Next, the surface of the cores was smoothed and the width of the annual rings was measured. Latewood zones were determined and the share of latewood was calculated. It was found that the average and minimum tree−ring width was the same in both commercial and degraded stands, while the maximum values were slightly and insignificantly different. In turn, the average share of latewood was higher in trees from commercial stands, but higher minimum and maximum values were recorded in stands on degraded sites. In this case, the differences turned to be statistically significant. The average density of wood was slightly lower in trees from degraded stands compared to wood from commercial stands (413 vs 418 kg/m3). Theminimum and maximum values were also higher in trees from commercial stands. However, this feature did not show a significant difference between analysed groups of stands. We found that despite such significant differences in the terrain formed during the production of zinc and lead ores, the wood of trees growing in these areas hardly shows any differences (except for the share of latewood) in comparison to wood from commercial stands