Inventory of Low Grade Wood in East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Excessive exploitation of natural forests i~ the past and the high demand for high quality wood resulting it supplied fewer, so they were expensive and less affordable by most people. Society would increasingly consider the types of low-quality wood with a more economical price and adequate strength and durability. The purposes of this study were to know the kinds of low-grade timber that was used in East Java and the basic properties of low-grade wood especially strong and durable of timber class. Inventory the types of low-grade woods was done in district Lumajang and Malang, East Java. The surveys were conducted on timber sales centers randomly and represent the two locations. The data were analyzed in the fonn of the test results of wood density, bending strength, and fimmess press and durability of wood in order to obtain strong and durable timber class. Based on survey results to the field and literature study in 45 low-grade timber species in East Java include wood density between 0.21 to 1.02, durability wood is a class II-V, and strength grade range is class I.V. Results of surveys indicate that there are 8 types of low-grade wood favorite of East Java. There is Mahogany, Acacia, Pine, Agathis, Mindi, Gmelina, Sengon, and Coconut. Besides, the types of bamboo that grows in East Java is al so good potential to be utilized.