Pulpwood Harvesting Research Articles

Cross-sectional estimation of empirical southern United States pulpwood harvesting cost functions

This paper develops and explains an empirical method of using cross-sectional data to determine cost functions for forestry operations. Primary logging firm data, basic production economics theory, and regression analysis were used to estimate aggregate cost functions by harvest system for southern United States pulpwood harvesting operations. Estimation of aggregate total costs first, followed by mathematical derivation of average costs, proved superior to direct estimation of average costs. Exponential functions were best at estimating the cost relationships observed in the empirical pulpwood harvesting data.

Effects of Whole-Tree and Stem-Only Clearcutting on Postharvest Hydrologic Losses, Nutrient Capital, and Regrowth

Abstract Nutrient removal by sawlog or pulpwood harvest (SAW), and whole-tree harvesting (WTH) was determined for 11 forest stands located throughout the United States. Data from this study combined with previously published nutrient budgets indicated potential net losses of Ca and K at most sites without harvest, and net losses of N, P, K, and Ca with either SAW or WTH. Total stem biomass and nutrients were significantly correlated with total above-stump biomass, providing a means for estimating nutrient removals with WTH and SAW in commercial forests. Limited data from harvested stands indicated greater regrowth biomass with SAW than with WTH on some sites. In the 11 harvested stands, hydrologic losses of N, K, and Ca generally increased immediately after harvest, but returned to levels comparable to control areas within 3 years. Because of the short duration of elevated nutrient losses, the hydrologic losses are considered minor relative to harvest removals. Ca and K are possible exceptions. The large difference in amounts of nutrients left on site in logging slash after SAW compared with WTH did not result in major differences in leaching or runoff at sites where comparisons were made. For. Sci. 34(2):412-428.

Felling techniques in Australian hardwood forests

Summary The felling techniques used by a sample of fallers in south-eastern Australian hardwood forests are compared with those recommended in commonly available felling texts. On this basis, the techniques used by the fallers were deficient in that small-angled scarfs were used, the scarf was generally overcut and the fallers did not use escape routes effectively. The fallers studied had not received formal training. Such training would be useful in improving their skills and reducing the serious accident rate. A major difference between the safety practices of fallers in sawlog-only and pulpwood harvesting was noted. Training in first aid and improvement in communication are also suggested as ways of reducing the severity of injuries.

Multi-Resource Effects of Harvest, Site Preparation, and Planting in Pine Flatwoods

Abstract A multidisciplinary study of the environmental and ecological effects of harvest, site preparation, and planting of pine flatwoods forests under two distinct management regimes is described, and important results are reported for several resources. Bedload sediment production was negligible regardless of treatment. Water yield increased during treatments, but returned to preharvest levels the following year. Stormflow increased--especially for intermediate-sized storms. Peakflow rates increased only when the stream channel was exposed to more intensive site preparation. Water quality alterations were small and transient; potassium, calcium, and suspended sediment concentrations increased. Except for calcium, nutrients in rainfall exceeded nutrients in runoff and pulpwood harvest removals. Soil and nutrient relocation with windrowing was substantial. Floral composition was dramatically altered: woody species diminished; herbaceous species increased. Plant species diversity was initially increased by less intensive practices, not diminished by more intensive practices. Small mammal populations--depauperate in the natural stands--remained so after planting. Winter bird densities increased--especially on the perimeter of undisturbed cypress domes and within clearcut pinelands.

Man and Machine in Pulpwood Harvesting and Transport

ABSTRACT The introduction of the cutter-forwarder shortwood system and its impact on operations and management are described. Some factors of the environment of the South African forestry industry present opportunities which should be capitalized on. A system of establishing the required men and machines is outlined. This covers compartment harvesting plans, work study standards, selection, training, production incentives, sub-standard performance and a scale of operations. Labour accounts for 60% of the total harvesting cost which is exacerbated by such features as turnover and accident frequency. Job safety codes are useful in the safety awareness campaign. Factors affecting the decision to mechanise are discussed. Managements role in synchronising the productive partnership is highlighted.

An Evaluation of Some Effects of Bole and Branch Pulpwood Harvesting on Site Macronutrients

Macronutrient removals by conventional and bole and branch harvesting systems were evaluated on a mixed hardwoods site in north central Wisconsin. Samples indicate that minimum soil reserves of nitrogen, phosphorous, and magnesium are 5–15 times greater than the amounts removed by a harvest cut at the end of a 45-year rotation. Currently available reserves of potassium and calcium are 1–3 times greater than harvest removals. Estimates indicate that natural inputs will supplement these reserves over such rotations, but may not balance drains over substantially shorter rotations. Nutrient cycling and possible replenishment of elements are discussed along with silvicultural implications.

Limited Evaluation of a Mechanized Pulpwood Harvesting System

Limited Evaluation of a Mechanized Pulpwood Harvesting System

Simulation Models in Forest Management and Harvesting

The advantages and disadvantages of simulation models are described and examples are given of their use in forestry. Stand models and a simulation model for pulpwood harvesting machines are described in some detail. Stand models simulate the growth of a stand on an individual tree basis and can be used for testing the effect of different silvicultural operations on subsequent stand development. The harvesting simulation models imitate the passage of a harvesting machine through a stand of pulpwood. They can be used to test the effect on harvesting time of using machines of different sizes and operating characteristics. The effect of stand structure on harvesting time can also be tested.

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association

The Pulpwood Harvest: translated from the bulletin of Canadian Pulp and Paper Association