The use of the log
In grove forests and in scattered stands, the trunks of old chestnut trees—sometimes several hundred years old—provide valuable timber. In modern chestnut plantations, no such quantity or quality of wood can be expected. Due to the requirements of fruit production, the trees have significantly lower trunks, and the logs are shorter. The plantation will be cleared at a younger age, and therefore the logs will also have a smaller diameter.
The chestnut tree is similar to oak, but due to its higher tannin content, it is even more durable.
The most economical way to utilize chestnut wood is to extract the tannin for the leather-tanning industry. The remaining wood blocks can be used for producing cellulose, alcohol, or paper. One quintal of chestnut wood contains the following materials:
- 113 kg tannin
- 27–30 kg cellulose
- 18–19 kg pentosan
- 6.6–10.8 kg lignin
- 40 dkg of various fats
- In the 70 dkg ash components, there remain 35 dkg calcium oxide, 4 dkg potassium oxide, and 4.2 g phosphorus anhydride.
They can also be used in many ways as construction wood. Their technical properties make them particularly suitable for use in areas with high humidity. Large wine barrels—capable of reaching a very old age—and other cellar equipment are made from it.
Chestnut wood can be used for roof structures of farm and other buildings, interior wood paneling, possibly counters, as well as exterior doors and gates. Other wood species are more suitable for charcoal production and as firewood. Its calorific value is 3174, lower than that of oak and beech. Pieces that are not suitable as construction wood can be used for producing posts or stakes. Support structures made from chestnut wood are more durable than those made from other types of wood.
Source: Dr. Péter Szentiványi – Chestnut – Agricultural Publishing Hous
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