Here’s a detailed guide on immediate post-harvest care for agarwood, focusing on preserving resin quality and preparing logs for processing:
1. Objectives of Post-Harvest Care
- Preserve aromatic and chemical quality of the resin.
- Prevent fungal or microbial contamination.
- Facilitate clean handling and storage before further processing (chips, oil, or luxury wood).
- Maintain traceability and recordkeeping.
2. Rough Cleaning
Purpose: Remove dirt, sawdust, loose bark, and debris without damaging resin.
Steps
- Brush off soil and debris using soft-bristled brushes.
- Remove loose bark only if resin is mature and tree section is ready for processing.
- Avoid washing logs with water unless necessary; moisture promotes fungal growth.
- Inspect for visible contamination such as mud, insect frass, or fungal spots.
Tips:
- Handle resin-rich sections carefully to prevent abrasion or splintering.
- Use gloves to avoid contaminating wood with oils or sweat.
3. Dry Shade Holding
Purpose: Reduce moisture content gradually, maintain wood integrity, and prevent mold.
Steps
- Place logs or branches in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
- Elevate wood using wooden racks, planks, or pallets to avoid direct soil contact.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can:
- Cause cracks or splits.
- Degrade resin quality and aromatic compounds.
- Maintain good airflow around stacked logs to prevent moisture buildup.
Duration:
- Typically several days to 1–2 weeks, depending on log size, resin content, and local humidity.
4. Storage Considerations
- Separate high-resin logs from non-resinous or low-value wood.
- Use tarps or clean coverings during rain or excessive dust exposure.
- Record harvest details: tree ID, section, resin quality, harvest date.
5. Handling Tips
- Avoid dragging logs; lift and carry to prevent soil contamination.
- Inspect logs periodically for signs of mold or insect attack.
- Use clean, sanitized tools if additional trimming is required post-harvest.
6. Quick Reference Table
| Post-Harvest Step | Purpose | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rough cleaning | Remove dirt & debris | Soft brush, gloves, avoid water on resin-rich wood |
| Bark trimming (if needed) | Expose resin zones | Only if mature; avoid damaging resin |
| Dry shade holding | Reduce moisture, prevent mold | Elevate logs, good airflow, no direct sunlight |
| Sorting & storage | Protect high-value resin | Separate resin-rich logs, cover if needed |
| Recordkeeping | Traceability & inventory | Tree ID, section, harvest date, resin quality |
Key Principle: Immediate post-harvest care protects both yield and quality. Handling must be gentle, controlled, and in a clean environment to prevent loss of fragrance, resin degradation, or contamination.
I can also create a diagram showing post-harvest steps: rough cleaning, shade holding, elevated storage, and sorting—ideal for a training manual or SOP.
Do you want me to make that diagram?