Dr Kayode Olaoye is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Research Fellow at the Federal College of Forestry, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. A scholar with expertise in wood science, he shares his insights in this interview on the value of wood physics in forest production, products, and resolving conservation conflicts in Nigeria.
We learned about your non-destructive testing (NDT) research project at the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria. Could you share some insight into the work?
Yes, around May this year, I led a team of researchers in my capacity as the head of wood mechanics unit of my department on a pioneering fieldwork to investigate the health status of the wood of Gmelina arborea, Nauclea diderrichii, Mangifera indica, and Khaya ivorensis tree species using electrical resistivity methods. This project introduced the NDT and evaluation techniques of wood to Nigeria’s forestry sector and provided valuable information for sustainable forest management practices within the institution.
What is wood physics, and why is it important?
Wood physics is an aspect of wood science that deals with the physical phenomena and behaviour of wood in response to environmental factors like moisture, temperature, and mechanical stresses. It plays a critical role in predicting wood performance, ensuring quality lumber production, and optimizing wood product design.
How does wood physics contribute to forest production and products?
Wood physics helps predict the performance of wood in different environmental and mechanical conditions, ensuring quality lumber production for various wood products, such as construction, furniture, and musical instruments.
Can wood physics provide solutions to forest conservation conflicts?
Yes, wood physics can help resolve conflicts by assessing wood quality in standing trees using non-destructive techniques, informing sustainable forest management practices, and optimizing wood utilization.
Can you share some of your research contributions in the field of wood physics?
Yes, some of my research contributions include:
– The development of an equation to calculate timbre harmonics of sound produced from wood
– The scientific analysis of sound properties in talking drums
– The importance of wood physics in assessing wood quality in standing trees using non-destructive techniques (NDT)
– Currently, I am working with my supervisor on the wood quality assessment of trees with fire history in Plumas National Forest, USA using NDT
– Also, in collaboration with Michigan Tech University, we are evaluating the decay status and quality control of finger-jointed hardwood material to develop engineering domestic hardwood decking for open deck trailers through NDT
What advice do you have for Nigeria’s forestry community?
Nigeria’s forestry community should embrace wood physics to enhance forest production, products, and conservation. It’s a valuable field of study that can optimize wood utilization, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.
Conclusion:
With over 10 years of experience in wood physics, Dr. Olaoye emphasizes the importance of embracing this field of study to revolutionize Nigeria’s forestry sector. He expresses gratitude to his supervisors, Dr. Xiping Wang of the Forest Products Laboratory, USA, and Prof. Abiodun Oluwadare of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, for their guidance and support throughout his career. Dr. Olaoye encourages the forestry community to leverage wood physics to ensure sustainable forest management, optimize wood utilization, and promote eco-friendly practices. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its forestry resources, drive economic growth, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
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