Primary Timber Research Articles

Evaluation of Different Modeling Approaches for Estimating Total Bole Volume of Hispaniolan Pine (Pinus occidentalis Swartz) in Different Ecological Zones

Pinus occidentalis (Swartz) is the primary timber species in the Dominican Republic (DR). Despite its economic importance, studies conducted on this species are scarce, making it difficult to estimate current inventory levels. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of estimating the total bole volume of P. occidentalis in different ecological zones (EZs) within La Sierra, evaluating and comparing two established volume equations—combined variable (CV) and Schumacher and Hall (S&H) across nine modeling variants. An indicator variables analysis determined the necessity of distinct equations for two EZs. Fitting included both linear and nonlinear models. Our comprehensive statistical analysis included goodness-of-fit metrics to evaluate each model variant’s performance rigorously. The second modeling variant (SH02) for the SH equation was most effective in the Dry Ecological Zone, showing superior performance in both the fitting and validation phases. Similarly, the third modeling variant (SH03) for the SH equation emerged as the best fit for the Combined Intermediate and Humid Ecological Zones, achieving the lowest overall ranking sum among tested variants. SH02 and SH03 provide reliable and precise volume estimations, allowing for the optimization of forestry management practices for P. occidentalis trees. The SH models outperformed the CV model variants’ consistency in parameter estimation. This tailored approach ensures more accurate volume predictions, which is crucial for sustainable management and conservation efforts.

The effects of internal driver, external pressure and green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) on green supply chain management (GSCM) performance through GSCM practice in wood processing companies in Lumajang district

This study examines the correlation between internal drivers, external pressures, Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO). In the context of wood processing companies in Lumajang, this study examines how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and performance interact. The study relies on theoretical underpinnings grounded in both institutional theory and the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) theory to thoroughly explore and comprehend these complex interconnections. Data was collected from a sample of 98 wood processing companies registered as Primary Timber Forest Product Industries (IPHHK) in the Lumajang District Forestry Office up to 2020, using a saturated sampling technique over three months from January to March 2022. This study's data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM), which uses the partial least squares (PLS) methodology. The results of the analysis indicate that internal drivers do not exert a significant influence on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) performance. In contrast, external pressure and Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) have a notable and statistically significant impact on GSCM performance. Furthermore, GSCM practices play a crucial mediating role, fully mediating the correlation between internal drivers and GSCM performance and partially mediating the correlation between external pressure, GEO, and GSCM performance. This research holds practical implications for managers, supply chain specialists, and Lumajang wood processing industry policymakers. It clarifies the significance of particular drivers in putting GSCM practices into practice and reaching improved performance levels. Future research should consider expanding the sample size, extending the scope of the survey, exploring additional research avenues, and implementing longitudinal designs to investigate green supply chain integration and firm behavior over time.

Modernization of skidding and primary removal of wood in the Vologda Region through the use of relevant domestic solutions

In the paper on the basis of the analysis of technical indicators and the aggregates used of the applied and introduced forest machinery (multi-operational forest machines) a study was carried out on the efficiency of variants in the sorting of logs during the implementation of technological operations in skidding and primary timber transportation under typical natural and production conditions Totemsky Forestry - a branch of the company SAU Forestry of the Vologda region “Vologda Forestry Association” (Vologda region, Russian Federation). As a result of analyzing the ratio of torque and other given dimensional and qualitative indicators, recommendations are given on the use of wheeled picker “Trom 20” for more efficient work in conditions of insufficient bearing capacity of the forest harvesting area soil.

Analysis of Income Levels in Paulus Sapiya Negeri Kamarian Primary Timber Forest Product Industry (IPHHK), Kairatu District, West Seram Regency

This study aims to determine the level of income at Paulus Sapiya's IPHHK before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. By using the formula of income analysis which is described descriptively. The results showed that before the Covid-19 pandemic, the revenue from the IPHHK Paulus Sapiya sawmill business, namely in 2018-2019, was Rp. 24,525,000 and Rp. 760,125,000. During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Paulus Sapiya's IPHHK industrial income was Rp. 36,465,000 and Rp. 27,945,000. Paulus Sapiya's IPHHK income has fluctuated in the last four years. Where the occurrence of fluctuations is influenced by the number of sales and requests received by the industry. Paulus Sapiya's IPHHK, which has been running for a period of four years, is profitable because the ratio of the total costs incurred is less than the income received by the industry.

A Comparison of Artificial Neural Network and Time Series Models for Timber Price Forecasting

The majority of the existing studies on timber price forecasting are based on ARIMA/SARIMA autoregressive moving average models, while vector autoregressive (VAR) and exponential smoothing (ETS) models have been employed less often. To date, timber prices in primary timber markets have not been forecasted with ANN methodology. This methodology was used only for forecasting lumber futures. Low-labor-intensive and relatively simple solutions that can be used in practice as a tool supporting decisions of timber market participants were sought. The present work sets out to compare RBF and MLP artificial neural networks with the Prophet procedure and with classical models (i.e., ARIMA, ETS, BATS, and TBATS) in terms of their suitability for forecasting timber prices in Poland. The study material consisted of quarterly time series of net nominal prices of roundwood (W0) for the years 2005–2021. MLP was found to be far superior to other models in terms of forecasting price changes and levels. ANN models exhibited a better fit to minimum and maximum values as compared to the classical models, which had a tendency to smooth price trends and produce forecasts biased toward average values. The Prophet procedure led to the lowest quality of projections. Ex-post error-based measures of prediction accuracy revealed a complex picture. The best forecasts for alder wood were obtained using the ETS model (with RMSE and MAE values of approx. 0.38 € m−3). ETS also performed well with respect to beech timber, although in this case BATS was just as good in terms of RMSE, while the difference between ETS and neural models amounted to as little as 0.64 € m−3. Birch timber prices were most accurately predicted with BATS and TBATS models (MAE 0.86 € m−3, RMSE 1.04 € m−3). The prices of the most popular roundwood types in Poland, i.e., Scots pine, Norway spruce, and oaks, were best forecasted using ANNs, and especially MLP models. Among the neural models for oak (MAE 4.74 € m−3, RMSE 8.09 € m−3), pine (MAE 2.21 € m−3, RMSE 2.83 € m−3), beech (MAE 2.31 € m−3, RMSE 2.70 € m−3), alder (MAE 1.88 € m−3, RMSE 2.40 € m−3), and spruce (MAE 2.44 € m−3, RMSE 2.58 € m−3), the MLP model was the best (the RBF model for birch). Of the seven models used to forecast the prices of six types of wood, the worst results were obtained for oak wood, while the best results were obtained for alder.

State and prospects of forest protection from illegal logging in the Ural Federal District

Illegal logging and trade in primary timber is a significant threat to the integrity of the forest system of the Ural region. It causes enormous damage to economy and society. The purpose of the work is to describe the state of the problem of illegal logging, identify the main factors causing widespread illegal logging and illegal timber turnover in the district, and make separate recommendations to suppress illegal activities of unscrupulous forest users. The analysis, comparison, and synthesis of the data were conducted on the basis of official Departmental reporting provided by the Forestry Department of the Ural Federal District. The issue of illegal logging is systemic and sustainable. Recognition of not only economic, but also the social and environmental significance of the problem, coordination of interdepartmental interaction, improvement of the system of state forest control and supervision, combating corruption schemes, creation of the institution of public environmental inspectors and their active work with the support of regional and federal authorities and the response of the timber industry enterprises can turn the situation.

Environmental impacts, water footprint and cumulative energy demand of match industry in Pakistan.

A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted for the matchsticks industry in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan to quantify environmental footprint, water footprint, cumulative energy use, and to identify improvement opportunities in the matchsticks manufacturing process. One carton of matchsticks was used as reference unit for this study. Foreground data was collected from the matchsticks industry through questionnaire surveys, personal meetings, and field measurements. The collected data was transformed into potential environmental impacts through the Centre for Environment Studies (CML) 2000 v.2.05 method present by default in the SimaPro v.9.1 software. Water footprint was calculated using methodology developed by Hoekstra et al., 2012 (water scarcity index) V1.02 and cumulative energy demand by SimaPro v.9.1 software. The results showed that transport of primary material (wood logs), sawn wood for matchsticks, red phosphorous, acrylic varnish, and kerosene fuel oil contributed to the overall environmental impacts. Transport of primary materials and sawn timber for matchsticks contributed significantly to abiotic depletion, global warming, eutrophication potential, ozone depletion, corrosion, human toxicity, and aquatic ecotoxicity effects. The total water footprint for manufacturing one carton of matchsticks was 0.265332 m3, whereas the total cumulative energy demand was 715.860 Mega Joules (MJ), mainly sourced from non-renewable fossil fuels (708.979 MJ). Scenario analysis was also conducted for 20% and 30% reduction in the primary material distance covered by trucks and revealed that reducing direct material transport distances could diminish environmental impacts and energy consumption. Therefore, environmental footprint could be minimized through diverting matchsticks industries freight from indigenous routes to high mobility highways and by promoting industrial forestry close to industrial zones in Pakistan. Many industries did not have emissions control systems, exceeding the permissible limit for emissions established by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) of Pakistan. Thus, installation of emissions control system could also diminish emissions from match industry in Pakistan.

A First Insight into North American Plant Pathogenic Fungi Armillaria Sinapina Transcriptome.

Armillaria sinapina, a fungal pathogen of primary timber species of North American forests, causes white root rot disease that ultimately kills the trees. A more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this illness will support future developments on disease resistance and management, as well as in the decomposition of cellulosic material for further use. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome profiles of A. sinapina fungal culture grown in yeast malt broth medium supplemented or not with betulin, a natural compound of the terpenoid group found in abundance in white birch bark. This was done to identify enzyme transcripts involved in the metabolism (redox reaction) of betulin into betulinic acid, a potent anticancer drug. De novo assembly and characterization of A. sinapina transcriptome was performed using Illumina technology. A total of 170,592,464 reads were generated, then 273,561 transcripts were characterized. Approximately, 53% of transcripts could be identified using public databases with several metabolic pathways represented. A total of 11 transcripts involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified. In addition, 25 gene transcripts that could play a significant role in lignin degradation were uncovered, as well as several redox enzymes of the cytochromes P450 family. To our knowledge, this research is the first transcriptomic study carried out on A. sinapina.

Determination of the utilization potentials of the wood of Borassus aethiopum Mart. through its strength properties

The study was conducted to evaluate variations in selected mechanical properties of B. aethiopum. Fifteen B. aethiopum trees from savanna zones in Nigeria were sampled at the base (10%), middle (50%) and top (90%) of the merchantable length and partitioned into outerwood, centrewood and innerwood along the radial plane. Selected strength properties such as impact bending strength (IMB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture and maximum compressive strength parallel to grain (MCS//) were evaluated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at a 0.05. The IMB at base was (22.46 ± 0.07 kJ/m2), middle (20.38 ± 0.08 kJ/m2) and top (11.68 ± 0.0 kJ/m2). The MOE was 14,365.96 ± 284.74 N/mm2, 13,242.54 ± 525.83 N/mm2 and 12,066.129.03 N/mm2 at the base, middle and top, respectively, and the MOR was 130.96 ± 1.06 N/mm2 at the base, 102.98 ± 1.30 N/mm2 at middle and 70.56 ± 1.03 N/mm2 at top. The MCS// decreased from 59.79 ± 16.95 N/mm2 at the base to 45.18 ± 29.16 N/mm2 at the top. Radially, all the parameters assessed (IMB, MOE, MOR and MCS//) decreased from outerwood to the centrewood and further to the innerwood. It is therefore concluded that B. aethiopum mechanical properties were superior at the base and outerwoods. It has the potentials required by construction industries to substitute the primary timber species.

European Timber Consumption: Developing a Method to Account for Timber Flows and the EU's Global Forest Footprint

The growing demand for timber, in particular for renewable energy, increases pressures on global forests and requires a robust monitoring system to ensure sustainability. This article takes a first step toward more systemic monitoring by asking how the global use of forests by EU consumers can be accounted for. Specifically, this article builds on and develops the method of global land use accounting to account for the EU-27's consumption of primary timber between 2002 and 2011 in terms of both volume and forest area. It assesses international trade flows for around 100 commodities and converts them into a volume of primary raw timber based on conversion values. Results reveal that both imports and exports increased over the assessed time period, with primary EU-27 timber estimated to be around 1 m3/cap in 2011. Gaps, uncertainty and a lack of harmonization regarding especially trade data and conversion values are key challenges to further improving the robustness of the method and reliability of results. Future research may focus on improving the method to address in particular recycled and recovered flows as well as the question of whether area or volume is the most appropriate metric for further development of a forest footprint indicator.

Assessing the Sustainability of EU Timber Consumption Trends: Comparing Consumption Scenarios with a Safe Operating Space Scenario for Global and EU Timber Supply

The growing demand for wood to meet EU renewable energy targets has increasingly come under scrutiny for potentially increasing EU import dependence and inducing land use change abroad, with associated impacts on the climate and biodiversity. This article builds on research accounting for levels of primary timber consumption—e.g., toward forest footprints—and developing reference values for benchmarking sustainability—e.g., toward land use targets—in order to improve systemic monitoring of timber and forest use. Specifically, it looks at future trends to assess how current EU policy may impact forests at an EU and global scale. Future demand scenarios are based on projections derived and adapted from the literature to depict developments under different scenario assumptions. Results reveal that by 2030, EU consumption levels on a per capita basis are estimated to be increasingly disproportionate compared to the rest of the world. EU consumption scenarios based on meeting around a 40% share of the EU renewable energy targets with timber would overshoot both the EU and global reference value range for sustainable supply capacities in 2030. Overall, findings support literature pointing to an increased risk of problem shifting relating to both how much and where timber needed for meeting renewable energy targets is sourced. It is argued that a sustainable level of timber consumption should be characterized by balance between supply (what the forest can provide on a sustainable basis) and demand (how much is used on a per capita basis, considering the concept of fair shares). To this end, future research should close data gaps, increase methodological robustness and address the socio-political legitimacy of the safe operating space concept towards targets in the future. A re-use of timber within the economy should be supported to increase supply options.

STUDIES OF NATURAL- PRODUCTION ASPECTS OF MOUNTAIN LOGGING (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE STATE ENTERPRISE "SLAVSKE FORESTRY")

The article presents the results of analytical studies of the natural-production conditions of management in the forests of a particular region. As initial data, the materials of the basic forest inventory of 2008 and reports on logging of the state enterprise Slavske forestry for 2010-2015 were used. Productive high-yielding tree stands of the I class and upper class of bonitet (79.1 %) is dominated in the enterprise. The third part of the forest is located on steep slopes. Medieval forest stands are predominate (42.2 %). The basis of the forest cover is formed by stand that includes spruce (73.6 %), where the average volume of ripe and overmature plantations consist 473 m3/ha. However, there is a low resistance of this specie to various pathogens of diseases and natural disasters. In recent years, there has been an increase in the volume of improvement thinning conducted on 84.0 % of all harvesting areas, where 68.6 % of the total volume of timber was harvested. The dynamics of the increase of the areas of sanitary felling is noted, which is associated with a large scale drying of spruce stands. The technological processes of logging operations at the enterprise are mainly based on ground aids of primary timber transportation, causing significant damage to the surface of the cutting area and the adjacent territories. Typically, a tractor trailing is used, with which 90.7 % of the total volume of harvesting is performed. The volumes of trailing by caterpillar and wheel tractors are almost identical. Less often, animal skidding (8.6 %) and cable yarding systems (0.7 %) are used. The distance of trailing of wood for all means of primary transportation exceeds the recommended values. The average distance of trailing by animal skidding on all type of cutting is 0.35-0.41 km. Caterpillar tractors on final cutting and improvement thinning have average distance of trailing, respectively, 1.48 km and 1.23 km. For wheeled tractors, the average distance of trailing on final cutting and improvement thinning is 1.26 km and 0.90 km, respectively. At the same time there are positive trends in reducing the distance of trailing on all types of cutting, connected with the construction of new forest roads. The main factor influencing the forest environment is the primary transportation of wood, the optimization of which is an urgent task for mountain logging.

Evaluation of forest road network and determining timber extraction system using GIS

Secondary forest road network planning and primary timber extraction systems play very important roles in sustainable forest management. The progression of forest areas in Turkey and the world towards mountains as well as the increase in working obligations have made timber extraction systems gain more importance. The forest areas found in mountainous lands with harsh slopes in Turkey makes timber extraction systems more problematic and more complex. The objective of this study is to develop a model for timber extraction systems using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis considering terrain morphology and secondary forest road network. Additionally the forest road network in Anbardağ forest planning unit of Giresun province in Turkey was investigated considering forest road density and forest road spacing. According to obtained results, the forest road length was 226.34 km, forest road density was 11.74 m/ha, forest road spacing was 851.7 m and road coverage was 51% of the study area. Chainsaw–small size cable crane (36.76%) and chainsaw–medium size cable crane (27.94%) were selected as the most suitable timber extraction systems for the steep terrain study area according to our model. They were followed by chainsaw–forest tractor (23.52%), chainsaw–agriculture tractor (10.29%) and chainsaw–sledge yarder (1.49%). The results of this study showed that GIS saved a considerable amount of labor force, time and cost for the evaluation of forest road network as well as the development model for timber extraction system.

Meta-Analysis of Price Responsiveness of Timber Supply

Abstract Modeling and projecting timber supply requires a good understanding of how supply responds to price. The price elasticity of supply (PELS) reported in the literature varies greatly, indicating that conclusions regarding price signaling in the timber market are mixed. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the key factors associated with the heterogeneity of PELS of primary timber product supply by examining data from numerous studies conducted around the world. Twelve “moderator” variables were examined to explore differences in PELS. Moderators with significant impacts on variation of PELS included forest products, geographic regions, econometric models, and data type. Furthermore, two-level categorical variables contained within the econometric models including standing stock were found to have significant influence on the heterogeneity of PELS. Variation in PELS also depended on whether or not the supply models accounted for price inflation, and the time period when the study was conducted. These findings may improve the understanding of the dynamics of price signaling in timber markets, and further improve the efficiency of timber supply and forecasting models for market participants and policy makers.

Моделирование сетей лесовозных автомобильных дорог с обоснованием схем размещения основных транспортных потоков

This article provides an analysis of previous studies assessing primary forest timber flows to the new Code flattering. The basis of the simulation of the functioning of the primary logging transport are a fundamental analysis of operation of highways "driver - vehicle - road - environment." Based principles of the branch network of the primary mode of transportation in the development of timber forest resources.

Legality Constraints: The Emergence of a Dual Market for Tropical Timber Products?

The European Union (EU), the United States of America (USA), and Australia have adopted specific measures to avoid the placing of illegal timber on their markets. These measures might encourage the diversion of timber products from traditional large importers to destinations with a less stringent regulatory framework. During 2001–2013, the international trade in tropical primary timber products (logs; sawnwood; veneers and plywood) decreased by 13% in volume and increased by almost 5% in value. Imports by Australia, the EU, and the USA halved, while those by emerging economies such as China and India initially remained stable and later increased. Tropical timber products—mostly logs and sawnwood—might have been diverted towards emerging economies over the period considered. This general trend is confirmed when analyzing imports from countries that are implementing voluntary partnership agreements (VPA) within the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan. Several factors might influence these market dynamics, including changes induced by the 2008 financial crisis and the increasing domestic demand for timber products by emerging nations. The effects of legality measures on market trends are still unclear. Nonetheless, they might have encouraged uncertainty with regards to traditional importers and favored emerging ones.

Chronometrický výskum murív Kostola sv. Juraja v Kostoľanoch pod Tribečom

This paper sums up results of the most recent project focused on 14 C dating of samples from pre-Roman phases of St. George's. The project has been triggered by the outcomes of initial chronometric research of a primary timber published in 2010. New 14C dates narrow the date for construction of the ma- soned church, which in Slovakia presents one of the earliest buildings preserved in its entirety.

Оптимизация процесса первичной транспортировки древесины в горных условиях лесозаготовок

Оптимизация процесса первичной транспортировки древесины в горных условиях лесозаготовок

Моделирование природно-производственных условий в задачах исследования процесса первичной транспортировки древесины в горной местности

Моделирование природно-производственных условий в задачах исследования процесса первичной транспортировки древесины в горной местности

Многокритериальная оптимизация процесса трелевки на выборочных рубках

The paper proposes generalized criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the primary timber transportation, featuring simultaneous consideration of direct production costs, labor costs, and the cost of laying skid trails and the loss on their removal from the process of forest growing, as well as damage to the felling of the tree stand. The technique of leading the criteria in unequal dimensions to the dimensionless quantity for their convolution using a series of weighting coefficients to optimize the logging is shown.