Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. VII
Written by Adrian Mihai OPREA, Gheorghe Florian BORLEA, Dorel DRONCA
Oak wood has been highly praised since the Middle Ages for its strength and durability. This is one of the densest naturally occurring materials; it has good folding qualities despite its natural durability and has a high tannin content which makes it resistant to insects and pests. It is durable, impregnates easily, resists moisture absorption and thanks to its aesthetics and resistance, it is recommended as an excellent feedstock for the furniture industry and beyond, it is often used to manufacture floors, stairs, exterior and interior joinery, interior architectural elements, natural or stained plywood, boards, tiles, ornaments turners, profiles, barrels and it should be continuously promoted because it is a renewable and sustainable raw material. The oak stands have a significant position in the Romanian forests (18% of the country’s total forest area) and in the European ones; they are perhaps more appreciated now than in the past, not only for the particular structural qualities of the wood, but also because they contribute to the biological wealth of the forest ecosystems and for how they participate to the conservation of biodiversity creating an environment that helps to fulfil the social demands. Due to the present-day high market demand, the recent wood industry development and the multiple available transport options, oak wood is imported and exported at a high rate. It would be desirable to promote only those oak raw materials which originate from certified forest areas which are sustainably managed, where forest ecosystem services as well as certified wood chains of custody are promoted. That is why we need to identify, study and monitor the areas which are suitable for obtaining valuable forest stands with Quercus robur (pedunculate oak), Quercus petraea (sessile oak) or Quercus frainetto (Italian oak), and to ensure their growth by applying a sustainable forest management.
[Read full article] [Citation]
