Abstract
ABSTRACT Mechanization in forestry implantation demands high energy, time, and high operational and production costs. Thus, studies related to the influence of variables on the efficiency of these activities are essential to reduce costs and optimize operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the operational and cost performance of mechanized forest implantation operations in Eucalyptus sp. Data were collected from eucalyptus plantations located in the northern region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The analysis of operational performance determined the distribution of operating times, mechanical availability, degree of utilization, operational efficiency, and productivity of the machines. The cost analysis estimated the operating costs in forestry implantation activities. The forest planting operations were: waste removal, subsoiling, digging with fertilization, planting, chemical weeding, and covering fertilization. According to the results, planting (39.20%) and waste removal (15.99%) represented the longest operating cycle times, the shortest production times (51.48% and 53.64%), and finally the longest maintenance times (32.95% and 29%). Chemical weeding and subsoiling showed the lowest maintenance times (4.64% and 3.47%). The cover fertilization was the operation that presented the highest productivity (2.99 ha he-1), and the removal of residues had the lowest (0.97 ha he-1). The highest costs per effective hour (R$13.57 he-1) and lowest production costs (R$81.59 ha-1) occurred at planting. Subsoiling had the highest production cost (R$112.80 ha-1). The lowest operating cost was obtained in the fertilizing operation. Operating costs had the greatest weight in labor, fuel, and maintenance and repairs.
Highlights
The Brazilian planted forest sector is responsible for the production of 90% of all industrial wood in the country, representing 7.83 million hectares
Due to the importance of evaluating the efficiency of forestry operations and the lack of studies related to the implementation phase, this study aimed to carry out an analysis on the operations and costs of mechanized forestry operations in eucalyptus plantation areas
This equipment was used to mark the holes in the planting lines (3 m spacing) and to fertilize at a depth of 0.20 to 0.30 m; Planting (PL): Agricultural tractor with nominal power of 75 hp equipped with kite tanks with 5 planters
Summary
The Brazilian planted forest sector is responsible for the production of 90% of all industrial wood in the country, representing 7.83 million hectares. Forestry entrepreneurs have been forced to intensify their efforts in planning forest implantation in order to guarantee the continuous and quality production of these products with a high yield index. To this end, the entire production process from the implementation planning to the delivery of the final product must be carefully studied and executed in order to maximize productivity while minimizing costs (Silva et al, 2004). This is because in addition to the high initial investment, forestry enterprises require a long time for return on the invested capital and are subject to several risks (fires, pests, diseases, sales price variations) during the maturation period (Carmo et al, 2011)
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