A wood treatment system for softwoods such a pine, e.g. for pallets, has the wood items subjected to warmed airflows of at least 100 deg. C, and with a maximum temperature between 120 and 140 deg. C. The heated airflow is blown over the items from different directions to ensure even treatment. The hot drying process kills off micro organisms and also reduces the enzymes and other organic compounds on which the micro organisms feed. The moisture content of the wood is monitored during treatment either by metering and/or by the changing appearance of the wood. An inert gas is used for the treatment, e.g. nitrogen or carbon dioxide, or a mixture of both gasses. The treatment chamber is flushed with inert gasses to remove any oxygen.
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