A field-to-desktop toolchain for X-ray CT densitometry enables tree ring analysis

Area of Science:

• Dendrochronology
• Wood science
• Imaging technology

Background:

• Tree growth analysis traditionally relies on ring width, but density data offers valuable complementary insights.
• Current wood densitometry methods are hindered by laborious sample preparation and a lack of specialized software.
• This limits the widespread adoption of density profiling in tree ring research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel X-ray computed tomography (CT)-based toolchain for tree increment core analysis.
• To develop a digital workflow for efficient and accurate density profiling of tree rings.
• To enhance tree ring analysis through improved density data acquisition and pattern matching.

Main Methods:

• Utilized X-ray computed tomography with custom sample holders for density profiling.
• Applied dedicated processing software to generate density profile datasets from tree increment cores.
• Tested the methodology on temperate species (Quercus petraea, Fagus sylvatica) and a tropical species (Terminalia superba).

Main Results:

• Developed a density-based pattern matching technique capable of identifying and correcting anomalies in tree ring series.
• Created a digital workflow that rapidly generates structure-corrected density profiles from numerous cores.
• Demonstrated the value of visual exploration for these density datasets.

Conclusions:

• The presented digital workflow enables rapid generation of high-quality, structure-corrected density profiles for tree ring analysis.
• Intra-annual density information derived from this method is sufficient for detailed tree ring studies.
• The toolchain facilitates high-resolution chronology development and offers efficient screening for tropical tree species.