A new ’Increment Core Ejector’ to rescue tree-ring samples

SSRN, 14 April 2026. Zulfiyor Bakhtiyorov, He-li Zhang, Feng Chen, Sharifjon Habibulloev, Hui Tao, Alberto Arzac, and Ulf Büntgen. (Preprint. Open Access)

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Publication webpage.

Abstract

Although increment borers are the standard for non-destructive tree-ring coring, cores frequently get stuck, compressed, fragmented, and damaged. Here, we present the new ”Increment Core Ejector”, a simple though efficient too to expel intact or fractured cores from the hollow tube in a controlled axial manner. The device integrates a threaded rod, a limiter assembly, a connection assembly, a fixing assembly, a hollow sampling tube, and an anti-drop assembly. Rotation of the threaded rod produces progressive axial advancement, allowing the operator to eject jammed samples without resorting to abrupt forcing, heating, or uncontrolled manual pulling. In addition to describing the device architecture and operating sequence, this report contextualises the ejector within the broader methodological literature on increment borer handling, bark-related jamming, micro-borer extraction, and commercial core-ejection aids. The Increment Core Ejector is intended as a compact post-sampling recovery tool that improves sample integrity, reduces field downtime, and extends the operational life of dendrochronological increment borers.

Published Apr. 14, 2026 9:33 PM - Last modified June 1, 2026 10:50 AM