Moisture content variation in kiln-dried lumber from plantations of vochysia guatemalensis

Vochysia guatemalensis is planted across large areas of Latin America; however, a major problem with its use is the large variation in final moisture content (MC_f) after drying. This research studied the causes for high moisture content variation. Variables included the climate in which the tree was grown, the amount of heartwood, grain pattern within the piece, sample distance from the pith, and height of the log. The results showed that the initial moisture content (MC_i) ranged 110-280% and MC_f 10-17%. The variation in MC_i was attributed to climatic conditions, heartwood presence, grain pattern, and height of the log. Boards with a radial surface in width produced the highest MC_f. The MC_f of lumber tended to increase with distance from the pith, and sapwood had lower MC_f than heartwood. V. guatemalensis produced wet pockets in 42% of the dried boards.