Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Abstract This paper presents the results of investigation into the variability of the share of heartwood on the stem cross-section of Douglas fir in Poland. The research was conducted in Douglas fir stands in the IV and V age classes. The feature was analysed on increment cores taken from the trees at 1.3 m level from the base of the stem, in the N and S direction. The differences of the share of heartwood between Douglas firs of the V and VI age classes as well as between the trees growing in moderate and broken crown closure were not significant. No significant differences occurred between specimens of different vitality, either; however, the trend towards increasing the share of heartwood in weak trees with relation to normal and lush ones was noticeable. No significant correlations between the share of heartwood and crown parameters were noted. Three regions were distinguished in the territory of Poland: the southern and north-western ones, where Douglas firs have a higher share of heartwood on the stem cross-section, and the central-western one, where the share is lower.