Difference between revisions of "Wood"
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| − | '''Wood''' comes from the interior of the branches and trunks of [[trees]] and some shrubs. The stalks of [[bamboo]], while not strictly wood, are used in many similar contexts. | + | '''Wood''' comes from the interior of the branches and trunks of [[trees]] and some shrubs. The stalks of [[bamboo]], while not strictly wood, are used in many similar contexts. Wood products are the wood itself, cellulose, lignite, methyl and ethyl alcohol and a number of organic compounds. Trees and shrubs also produce fruit, that can be part of the settler's diets. |
==Production== | ==Production== | ||
| − | + | Trees, bamboo and shrubs would be grown in greenhouses or parks. | |
| − | *Bamboo can yield 4 tonnes per hectare<ref>http://afribam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:bamboo-for-plantations&catid=22&Itemid=116</ref>. | + | *Bamboo can yield 4 tonnes per hectare per year<ref>http://afribam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:bamboo-for-plantations&catid=22&Itemid=116</ref>. |
| − | *Trees | + | *Trees, in a seasonal setting, convert CO2 and water into biomass by producing leaves. The wood is then a byproduct. |
| − | * | + | *Wood is a source of cellulose and lignite. Both can be obtained from small shrubs and bamboo, that would grow at a higher density and faster rate than trees. So the main purpose of trees on Mars is likely to be ornamental and fruit production, with the wood as a by product. |
| − | Wood is a source of cellulose and lignite. Both can be obtained from small shrubs and bamboo, that would grow at a higher density and faster rate than trees. So the main purpose of trees on Mars is likely to be ornamental. | ||
==Use== | ==Use== | ||
Revision as of 06:39, 9 November 2023
Wood comes from the interior of the branches and trunks of trees and some shrubs. The stalks of bamboo, while not strictly wood, are used in many similar contexts. Wood products are the wood itself, cellulose, lignite, methyl and ethyl alcohol and a number of organic compounds. Trees and shrubs also produce fruit, that can be part of the settler's diets.
Contents
Production
Trees, bamboo and shrubs would be grown in greenhouses or parks.
- Bamboo can yield 4 tonnes per hectare per year[1].
- Trees, in a seasonal setting, convert CO2 and water into biomass by producing leaves. The wood is then a byproduct.
- Wood is a source of cellulose and lignite. Both can be obtained from small shrubs and bamboo, that would grow at a higher density and faster rate than trees. So the main purpose of trees on Mars is likely to be ornamental and fruit production, with the wood as a by product.
Use
Common uses for wood include construction materials, art, consumer goods, paper, and fuel.
Parks and gardens
Park trees are probably the most likely use of wood on Mars. As decorative elements in parks, trees will be grown as soon as there is sufficient space.
Construction Material
Certain types of wood have excellent strength to weight ratios that make them ideal construction materials. The fibers in the wood strengthen it in the direction of the grain.
Art
Wood is easily carved into a variety of shapes. Wood carving and crafting is a possible diversion, and may improve morale.
Consumer Goods
Wood may be fashioned into cups, bowls, utensils, and many other useful items. In early settlements, wood items are likely to be a luxury, or unavailable altogether. These goods may be used in commerce within the settlement or with other settlements.
Paper
The fibers of wood can be processed into paper. Most of these fibers can come from the waste pieces left over from the other applications.
Fuel
Wood is an unlikely fuel on Mars, and may only be used in this way as a luxury, requiring dedicated venting and fireproof enclosure. Such as a fireplace. As an energy storage mechanism wood is extremely inefficient, when calculated as a solar battery.
Open Issues
- How easily are trees grown using aquaponics or aeroponics?
- How will the reduced gravity affect the density of the wood?
- Will dwarf varieties of fruit trees remain short?
