Recovery of above-ground woody biomass using operational modifications of conventional harvesting systems

Abstract

Two harvesting systems were assembled during each of two summers to compare the operational efficiency of a whole tree harvesting system with a conventional harvesting system. Skidding of whole trees proved to be 27% more efficient than the skidding of primary stems because of operators habits of underutilizing skidder capacity. Although 5% more gals/hour were used by the whole tree system, there was a net gain of 21% more tons/gal. produced by this same system. A whole tree chipper was analyzed for its potential to process large hardwood trees for energy products. A comparison of five harvesting systems revealed that whole tree systems producing sawtimber, round pulpwood and energy chips proved most energy efficient and economically viable. A variety of machine/system factors were measured. It was determined that with certain modifications, whole tree chippers offer the best potential for processing logging residue for fuel. Forty-eight equations were developed predicting green and ovendry weights in summer and winter for whole tree weight, primary product weight, and the weight of limbs and tops for hardwood trees associated with the oak-hickory forest type in the Southern Appalachian Region based on diameter at breast height and whole tree length. Eight sawlog prediction equations were also developed based on log length, diameter small end outside bark and diameter large end outside bark. The energy efficiency of harvesting systems was studied by analyzing the equipment involved in manual and mechanized shortwood, longwood, and whole tree systems.