Publicação on-line; 28 ref.; 4 tables; 3 illus.; Summary (En)

Abstract

This study intended to assess the effect of weather on the air-drying process of messassa wood
(Brachystegia spiciformis Benth) in two areas of Mozambique (Machipanda and Beira city).
First, the logs were sawn into 27 mm thick boards. Every five days the moisture content of the
wood was determined by the control samples. For each region, the drying rate and wood quality
post sawing and drying were estimated. The drying time differed between the regions under
investigation, with Machipanda revealing the higher value. Messassa wood, which revealed a low
drying rate (0.33% U/day), was categorized as slow drying wood. Both regions showed average
final moisture content of 15.3% in the boards, with only slight variations in moisture inside the
stacks. After outdoor drying, only a few defects were noted and as it was free from tensions,
hence it was classified as good quality wood.

Keywords: Mozambique, drying rate, wood quality, Brachystegia spiciformis Benth.