Here’s a detailed guide on sorting and reclassification of harvested agarwood, essential for quality management, inventory control, and maximizing commercial value:
1. Objectives
- Group harvested wood into grades based on resin content, aroma, and physical characteristics.
- Facilitate pricing, processing, and marketing.
- Remove defective or contaminated sections before sale or further processing.
- Maintain traceability from harvest to end-product.
2. Key Criteria for Sorting
- Resin Content / Grade
- High-grade: Dark, dense, heavy, aromatic heartwood.
- Medium-grade: Moderate resin streaks, good density, slightly lighter aroma.
- Low-grade: Light-colored, mostly sapwood, minimal aroma.
- Physical Condition
- Free from soil contamination, mold, cracks, or insect damage.
- Remove or isolate broken or fragile pieces.
- Wood Section
- Trunk vs. lateral branches.
- Core (heartwood) vs. peripheral sapwood.
- Intended Use
- Carving / luxury items → high-grade heartwood.
- Chips / powder → medium- or low-grade sections.
3. Sorting Techniques
A. Visual Inspection
- Examine color, streak patterns, and resin zones.
- Identify sapwood, damaged, or moldy areas.
B. Tactile / Density Assessment
- Gently press or tap to detect hardness and resin density.
- Heavier, denser wood usually indicates higher resin content.
C. Aroma Test
- Rub or lightly warm small pieces:
- Strong, sweet-balsamic aroma → high-grade.
- Weak or chemical odor → lower grade or defective.
D. Core Sampling (Optional)
- Drill small cores in uncertain sections to verify resin content before classification.
4. Reclassification
- Re-evaluate previously sorted wood if:
- New defects appear (mold, insect damage).
- Moisture or drying issues change weight/density.
- Further inspection identifies higher- or lower-grade resin than initially assessed.
- Update records and labels to reflect current grade and quality.
5. Labeling & Record-Keeping
| Sorting Parameter | Label / Record Example |
|---|---|
| Grade | A (high), B (medium), C (low) |
| Section | Trunk, lateral branch, core sample |
| Harvest Date / Tree ID | H-2025-12-26-T123 |
| Condition / Notes | Mold-free, clean, resin density 80% |
| Intended Use | Chips, carving, powder |
6. Best Practices
- Separate grades physically to prevent cross-contamination.
- Inspect periodically if wood is stored for weeks to months.
- Maintain clean handling: brushes, gloves, and elevated storage.
- Document all changes during reclassification for traceability.
- Optimize yield: selectively reclassify wood for best use in premium vs. bulk markets.
Key Principle: Sorting and reclassification ensure consistent quality, optimize commercial value, and maintain traceability from harvest to market.
I can also create a diagram showing sorting workflow: log inspection → grading → defect removal → labeling → reclassification, which is ideal for a training manual or SOP.
Do you want me to create that diagram?