Journal article
Productivity and cost assessment of two harvesting methods for medium-rotation poplar plantations
Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, Vol.38(1-2), pp.79-86
2023
Abstract
The study compared the cut to length (CTL) and the whole tree harvesting (WTH) methods under two alternative log length specifications (2 m vs. 4 m) as deployed in the new medium rotation poplar plantations. The goal of this study was to determine if any of the four combinations of harvesting method and log length incurred lower cost and/or better log yield than the others. The test was conducted in a 6 year old plantation with a stocking between 30 and 60 bone dry tons (BDT) per hectare. Each treatment was repeated 8 times each repetition consisting of one sample plot with a 700 m2 surface area (115–130 trees). Researchers determined the mass obtained from each sample plot, as well as the time necessary to turn standing trees into logs and biomass piled at the landing. A calculator was developed for estimating harvesting costs as a function of variable machine rates. Under the conditions of the study, CTL harvesting into 4 m long logs was the most effective solution, because it offered a better log yield compared with WTH (60% vs. 50%) and incurred the same harvesting cost (∼ 33 € BDT−1). Shortening log length to 2 m determined a 25% increase of harvesting cost.
Details
- Title
- Productivity and cost assessment of two harvesting methods for medium-rotation poplar plantations
- Authors
- Raffaele Spinelli (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research CentreNatascia Magagnotti (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research CentreBarnabas Kovacs (Author) - IKEA Industry SlovakiaPatrik Heger (Author) - IKEA Industry SlovakiaMatevz Mihelic (Author) - University of Ljubljana
- Publication details
- Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, Vol.38(1-2), pp.79-86
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Scandinavia
- DOI
- 10.1080/02827581.2023.2177336
- ISSN
- 1651-1891
- Grant note
- 745874 / European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation framework programme Pahernik Foundation/ University of Ljubljana
- Organisation Unit
- Forest Industries Research Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99711298202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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