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Salvaging windthrown trees with animal and machine systems in protected areas
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Salvaging windthrown trees with animal and machine systems in protected areas

Raffaele Spinelli, Carolina Lombardini and Natascia Magagnotti
Ecological Engineering, Vol.53, pp.61-67
2013
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2012.12.012View
Published Version

Abstract

Earth Sciences Environmental Sciences Engineering horse impacts mechanization productivity cost compaction
The authors tested animal and machine harvesting as alternative systems for salvaging windthrown trees in regenerated patch cuts. Removal intensity was very low, averaging between 10 and 20 m3 ha-1, or between 30 and 60% of the initial stocking. Both systems performed well. Damage to regeneration never exceeded 5% of the total number. Soil disturbance was very shallow, and interested less than 3% of the total area. No significant difference was found between the animal and the machine treatments. From an economic viewpoint, the animal system broke even, whereas the machine system accrued an average profit of over 200€ ha-1. However, profit was not as large as to become a major driver. Park users may represent the main factor when selecting a specific salvage system, and should be the subject of future research.

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Web Of Science research areas
Ecology
Engineering, Environmental
Environmental Sciences

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#7 Affordable and Clean Energy
#13 Climate Action
#15 Life on Land

Source: InCites

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