Wood Volume Research Articles

Long-Term Effects of Thinning in Sub-Mountainous Thermophilic Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea Mill.) and European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Coppices in the Croatian Dinarides

Coppicing has been neglected in recent decades, leaving gaps in knowledge on silvicultural interventions, especially the long-term effects on coppices of Southeast Europe. The recent economic crisis, the sudden increase in energy prices, and the increased demand for assorted wood products have initiated higher interest in coppices in Croatia. Thus, our work aims to define the long-term effects of thinning in sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) sub-mountainous thermophilic low coppices in the Croatian Dinarides. The experiment includes two localities with thinning and control plots. Thinning was performed in 2002, with 17.71% of wood volume removed in the European beech coppice and 26.09% in the sessile oak coppice. In 2020, 1276 trees were marked, measured (DBH, tree height, number of stems per stump), and assessed for vitality, origin, and six silvicultural features revealing tree quality. In 2022, trees were again measured (DBH, tree height) to gain data on tree growth. Conventional data analysis methods were used. The results show a statistically significant positive long-term effect of thinning on tree growth, stem, and crown features and support findings that thinning, by increasing growth and quality, is a necessary intervention in European beech and sessile oak low coppices. Thinning promoted the healthiest and best quality trees/stems, resulting in a more valuable range of wood products and the potential for higher income. It had a positive impact on tree growth regardless of the tree’s origin (seed or stump) and improved the growth and quality of trees among the supporting tree species. Short-term effects of thinning in trial plots suggested that thinning supported tree species diversity, but this effect diminished over time, showing no positive effect after twenty years. The study points to the need for more frequent thinning in coppices to support tree species diversity (i.e., to allow growth to less competitive tree species) but underlines the need for further research.

A comprehensive framework to evaluate the financial impacts of genetic improvement on wood products from planted forests

Increasing the productivity of planted forests may efficiently provide an important part of the world’s growing demand for wood while protecting natural forests. In this study, we developed an integrated modelling framework to evaluate the financial impacts of improving productivity of planted forests by tree breeding. Using this framework, we compared three genetic improvement scenarios of white spruce plantations, a key reforestation species in North America, and evaluated the differences in the derived wood product assortments in terms of quantity, quality, and revenues. Favouring the production of wood volume appears as the best way to enhance financial gains from white spruce plantations in the current market. The scenario that focused on increasing tree height produced a greater volume of wood products and larger lumber pieces, which resulted in the greatest revenues. In comparison, favouring wood stiffness over volume led to poorer results, as the increased product quality was not sufficient to surpass the financial gain associated with greater wood volumes. While we successfully provided an evaluation of the product assortments derived from genetically improved plantations, the proposed framework would benefit from more data input to help maximize financial gains from a range of tree breeding strategies.

Lidar-derived estimates of boreal shrub biomass in Southcentral Alaska

Abstract Despite widespread observations of shrub proliferation and expansion (shrubification), few studies quantify shrub biomass at the regional scale. Here we describe and implement a two-part modeling approach to estimate and map tall shrub (diameter at root collar > 2.5 cm) expected aboveground biomass, or E[SHB], across a 16.6 million ha boreal region where shrubification occurs in wetlands and subalpine ecosystems. Using n = 384 field plots nested within m = 11 study sites across southcentral Alaska, we constructed random forest models of the probability (pSH) that shrub wood volume surpasses tree wood volume, and generalized additive models (GAMs) of aboveground biomass of tall shrubs (SHB) using rasterized aerial lidar variables collected by NASA Goddard’s Lidar, Hyperspectral, and Thermal (G-LiHT) Airborne Imager, together with gridded climate data from a Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model 30-year normal climatology (PRISM). Applying those models to G-LiHT tiles, then averaging across tiles within n = 843 watersheds covering 9.2 million ha, we estimated that below 1,000 m asl, the area-weighted mean value of E[SHB] = pSH x SHB = 6.6 Mg ha-1 with sd = 4.5 Mg ha-1. This is the first study to estimate current shrub biomass density at the regional scale in southcentral Alaska and serves as a biomass baseline for measuring and modeling aboveground carbon fluxes where plant communities are undergoing climate-driven change.

Wood trade regions of Russia: clustering approach development

Network analysis of the Russian timber industry was based on the information about timber transactions between Russian companies in 2020. The data were collected from the Unified State Automated Information System Accounting Timber and Transactions with It. The method of graph clustering was developed. The first step is clustering of the hole graph by Leiden algorithm. The second step is drawing of each Leiden created cluster in abstract space using Fruchterman–Reingold layout and extraction of clusters from layout using meanshift algorithm. Such approach helped us to divide many Leiden-created clusters into components. This algorithm has a problem of resolution limit. It tends to combine some medium and small clusters into large ones. Also, a special method was developed to limit the uncertainty of clustering – both Leiden algorithm and Fruchterman–Reingold layout are non-deterministic algorithms. Wood trade clusters vary in size and content. They are rather autonomous. The average share of intra-cluster trade is 89%. The modularity score of our partition is 0.863. Each cluster has been described using open sources from the Internet. The content of the clusters does not contradict the logic of the wood industry processes. The clusters create rather compact areas on the map – wood trade regions. Their borders often overlap with existing administrative boundaries. Five types of network structure of clusters were defined: vertical monocentric, vertical polycentric, horizontal, dendritic, simple. There are three factors of clustering in wood industry of Russia: production chains (4 types – pulp, plywood, lumber, chipboard chains), demand chains (redistribution of raw material between manufacturers within the cluster, accumulation of wood volumes for some enterprises outside the cluster, wood trade between traders within the cluster), common holder. We have shown that existing approaches to cluster detection based on location quotients often misrepresent economic networks.

Surface layer reinforcement modification for wood with high strength and flame retardancy performances

The high-value utilization of low-value wood can effectively address the shortage of wood resource, while also contributing to the global green sustainable development and the implementation of “dual carbon” strategy. The present study employed an innovative technology to achieve controllable surface reinforcement modification of fast-growing poplar wood, resulting in improved strength and exceptional flame retardancy for structural applications. The achievement was realized through a three-step method, involving delignification, impregnation, and surface densification, while minimizing the loss of wood volume. The results demonstrated that surface functional densification can significantly improve the mechanical properties of fast-growing poplar wood, with the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) reaching 140.6 MPa and 11.8 GPa, respectively, representing a 3.4-fold and 2.5-fold increase compared to the control group (CK). The samples were found to possess thin surface-densified layers, while the core layer remained unaltered, thereby exhibiting a sandwich structure with significant disparity in density between the layers, reaching up to a factor of 2. The pores structure of the surface layers underwent significant densification, with a gradual deformation distributed throughout its thickness direction. A process optimized for surface densification involving a 2-hour delignification duration and a pressure of 3 MPa. The sample subjected to surface functional modification exhibited a 90-second delay in the peak of heat release compared with the CK. The heat release rate (HRR) experienced a significant deceleration, accompanied by notable reductions in total heat release (THR) and smoke production rate (SPR). The mechanisms underlying the enhancement of surface functionality were elucidated from the perspectives of physical mechanics, microstructure, and flame retardancy, providing a theoretical foundation for the efficient utilization of fast-growing wood.

Mapping pathogenic fungi in decayed Norway spruce stands: Insights from harvester positional data

Abstract Root and butt rot caused by pathogenic fungi in the genera Heterobasidion and Armillaria is a pressing issue in managed Norway spruce forests. The disease results in financial losses for the forest owners and reduces the volume of wood that can be used in long‐lived products. Pathogenic wood decay fungi spread either with the aid of airborne spores or via mycelial growth among neighbouring trees, the latter leading to clustering (tendency of decayed trees to be in close proximity relative to their neighbouring trees) of decay‐affected trees in forests. Understanding the spatial patterns of the decay‐affected trees at the forest stand level is vital for designing management strategies to address this problem. We examined decay clustering in 273 clear‐cut Norway spruce stands in Norway using harvester‐recorded data on spatial occurrence of decayed and healthy Norway spruce trees. We tested clustering using three global‐cluster tests that account for population density and distribution, evaluating clustering without identifying specific cluster locations. The proportions of clustered and non‐clustered stands differed depending on the statistical test used for clustering assessment, resulting in overall agreement of 32.8% for clustered and 36.9% for non‐clustered. Clustered stands exhibited a median cluster distance (maximum distance between the decay‐affected trees within a cluster) of 12 m (Inter‐Quantile Range, IQR, 6–20 m) and a median of 6 (IQR 3–16) nearest neighbour trees (number of decayed trees forming a cluster), estimates comparable with prior studies focused on assessment of trees infected by mycelial spread of the same fungal individual. The decay incidence in the clustered stands was 16.24%, while the non‐clustered stands had a butt‐rot incidence of 20.97%. In clustered stands the average number of trees per hectare was higher (693) than in non‐clustered stands (553). Synthesis and applications: Our study demonstrates that Norway spruce stands display a diverse range of spatial patterns of butt rotted trees. We found that higher densities of Norway spruce trees probably facilitate the vegetative spread of pathogenic wood decay fungi, leading to clustering of decay‐affected trees. To disrupt the spread of decay fungi between tree generations, precision planting of trees other than Norway spruce around infested stumps of prior generation trees has been recommended by earlier studies. We discussed the potential of using harvester‐derived geoposition data for butt‐rotted trees upon planning and execution of forest regeneration.

Predicting forest parameters through generalized linear mixed models using GEDI metrics in a temperate forest in Oaxaca, Mexico

ABSTRACT Lidar sensors are active remote sensing instruments that provide data on forest structure, which serve as inputs in the prediction of forest parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of mixed-effects models to predict basal area (BA), aboveground biomass (AGB), and wood volume (VOL) from GEDI (Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation) predictor variables. Linear mixed and generalized linear mixed models (LMM and GLMM) were fitted with a clustering structure as a random effect between forest parameters and GEDI metrics. LMM and GLMM performed similarly regarding root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficients (r) between observed and predicted data. Our results showed moderate correlations between RH50 and BA (r = 0.53), AGB (r = 0.54), and RH80 with VOL (r = 0.62). Another finding was the correlation between GEDI predictions of the AGB density and the biomass predicted in this study, with an agreement of 79% and 77% and a RMSE of 76.95 and 82.34 Mg ha−1 for LMM and GLMM, respectively. We conclude that the use of mixed models allowed for the inclusion of both fixed and random effects that capture the systematic and random variation in the data, and they provide a flexible framework for modelling forest parameters.

Large-scale inventory in natural forests with mobile LiDAR point clouds

Large-scale forest inventory at the individual tree level is critical for natural resource management decision making. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) has been used for individual tree level inventory at plot scale However, due to the inflexibility of TLS and the complex scene of natural forests, it is still challenging to localize and measure every tree at large scale. In this paper, we present a framework to conduct large-scale natural forest inventory at the individual tree level by taking advantage of deep learning models and Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) systems. First, a deep learning model, ForestSPG, was developed to perform large-scale semantic segmentation on MLS LiDAR data in natural forests. Then, the forest segmentation results were used for individual stem mapping. Finally, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was measured for each individual stem. Two natural forests mapped with backpack and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) LiDAR systems were tested. The results showed that the proposed ForestSPG is able to segment large-scale forest LiDAR data into multiple ecologically meaningful classes. The proposed framework was able to localize and measure all 5838 stems at individual tree level in a 20 ha natural forest in less than 20 min using UAV LiDAR. DBH measurement results on trees’ DBH larger than 38.1 cm (15 in) showed that backpack LiDAR was able to achieve 1.82 cm of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and UAV LiDAR was able to achieve 3.13 cm of RMSE. The proposed framework can not only segment complex forest components with LiDAR data from different platforms but also demonstrate good performance on stem mapping and DBH measurement. Our research provides and automatic and scalable solution for large-scale natural forest inventory at individual tree level, which can be the basis for large-scale estimation of wood volume and biomass.

Economic Evaluation of Conservation through Use of an Araucaria angustifolia Provenance and Progeny Test.

Araucaria angustifolia is a species known for its valuable wood and nuts, but it is threatened with extinction. The plantation of forests for genetic resource conservation is a complementary strategy designed to reduce the species' genetic variability loss. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and economic viability of A. angustifolia for genetic conservation through use. The analyzed provenance and progeny trial was established in 1982 in Itapeva, Brazil. It was structured using a compact family blocks design with 110 open-pollinated progenies from five natural populations, three replicates, ten plants per subplot, and 3.0 m × 2.0 m spacing. After 33 years, the trial was evaluated for total height, diameter at breast height, wood volume, and survival. The variance components and genetic parameter estimates were performed using Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction methods (REML/BLUP) methods with the Selegen software (version 2014). The production and management scenarios were obtained using the SisAraucaria software (version 2003). Sensitivity analysis and economic parameter estimates were obtained through various economic evaluation methods using the Planin software (version 1995). In general, the genetic parameters indicated that the population has enough variability for both conservation and breeding purposes, suggesting technical viability for the establishment of a seed orchard. The economic parameters indicated that the commercialization of wood and araucaria nuts proved to be more profitable than wood production by itself. In conclusion, araucaria genetic conservation through use is a technically and economically viable ex situ conservation strategy.

Ratio of Stem Wood Volumes in Forest Stands and Dead Wood of the Taiga Spruce Forests in European Russia

The article discusses the formation of the stem wood volumes ratio between the forest stands and the deadwood in an indigenous forest community with a contribution from wood-decaying fungi, using the spruce formations of the European Russia’s taiga zone as an example. For the analysis, 30 spruce ecosystems were taken, 10 in each of the taiga subzones (northern, middle and southern) with different dynamic characteristics — climax, demutational and digressional ecosystems. Using the method of study plots (SP), the silvicultural characteristics of ecosystems and the morphometric indicators of trees were described, and the volumes of stem wood of the forest stands forming phytocenoses and the deadwood decomposed by wood-destroying fungi were calculated. Indicators of the stem wood volumes ratio between the forest stands and the dead wood in spruce plantations of various dynamic phases were calculated, for which phase position scores were calculated. Indicators of the relationship between the volumes of stem wood in forest stands and in dead wood (R2)and linear correlation coefficients (r) for forest stands of different successional positions were determined in Microsoft Excel. The calculations confirmed the presence of a relationship between the stem wood volumes of tree stands and deadwood for the studied spruce forests using a point estimate of the phase position of ecosystems: in both programs (R2 and r) the relationship indicators were characterized as strong to very strong (Chaddock, 1925).

How well can sound tomograms characterize inner-trunk defects in beech trees from a burned plot?

In recent years, forest fires have become increasingly common, but also more damaging phenomena. These aspects are reflected in significant economic losses that affect the quality and quantity of wood volumes that can be used for industrial processing. For this reason, knowing the quality of the wood is important, especially in fire-affected trees. Because visual analyses cannot always reflect the quality of the wood inside the trunk, the present research aimed to evaluate the extent to which modern techniques based on the transfer of sounds can identify internal wood defects. In this sense, 42 tomograms made from beech trees affected by a litter fire were compared with the relative resistances of the wood to drilling and with the real condition of the wood inside the trunk, as made visible through the growth cores taken with a Pressler drill. From the cumulative interpretation of the results, it was found that the trees affected by the fire have serious defects, which lead to the downgrading of the wood and are not reproduced by the tomograph to their true extent. Conversely, sound transfer speeds through wood are influenced by the presence of beech red heartwood, which leads to an increase in sound transfer speeds through wood, and that can alter the accuracy of the tomogram.

Estimating merchantable and non-merchantable wood volume in slash walls using terrestrial and airborne LiDAR

Slash walls are an effective forest management practice to prevent deer herbivory and promote forest regeneration following a timber harvest. However, the material cost, i.e. amount of wood material, needed for quality slash walls is unknown or at best based on highly uncertain empirical estimation. Quantifying how total and merchantable timber wood volume varies with width and height across slash walls will facilitate future planning and application of slash walls. In this study, we estimated wood volume per unit length (∼30.48 m) from total stem cross-sectional area in 40 randomly selected cut-through passages cut into 14 slash walls located at Cornell University’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest (ATRF) in south-central New York. Within each passage we used Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) to identify individual stems and obtain cross-sectional surface area. We found that TLS derived stem diameters were highly consistent with manual stem diameter measurements for 10 selected wall passages (N = 308, R2 = 0.933, RMSE = 1.881 cm). However, TLS tends to underestimate total cross-sectional area due to omission of small stem cross-sections (diameter < 5.08 cm). Cross-sections of small stems often have a low number of total points even when point density is high, especially when they are not facing the scanner. They are also more vulnerable to occlusion (i.e., lack of points due to blocking by other stems). TLS-based wood volume estimates were similar across both short and tall slash walls in the study with an average volume of 21.34 m3/30 m for short slash walls and 21.50 m3/30 m for tall slash walls, corresponding to 16.9 t dry biomass /30 m and 17.0 t dry biomass /30 m respectively. The small difference in woody volume was due to tall slash walls achieving additional height mainly through non-compacted small diameter crown and brush tops that have little woody volume. Average merchantable (diameter > 15.24 cm) and non-merchantable (diameter < 15.24 cm) timber fraction was 68.75 % and 31.35 % for short slash walls and 65.04 % and 34.96 % for tall slash walls. We further assessed slash wall height and width using Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) for eight other tall slash walls. We found TLS measurements are representative of whole slash wall height and width variability based on ALS measurements. Our results provide novel data and methodology to estimate the construction cost of slash walls which are critical for optimizing slash wall applications.

Diversity-enhanced canopy space occupation and leaf functional diversity jointly promote overyielding in tropical tree communities

Understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity-productivity relationships is critical for guiding forest restoration. Although complementarity among trees in the canopy space has been suggested as a key mechanism for greater productivity in mixed-species tree communities, empirical evidence remains limited. Here, we used data from a tropical tree diversity experiment to disentangle the effects of tree species richness and community functional characteristics (community-weighted mean and functional diversity of leaf traits) on canopy space filling, and how these effects are related to overyielding. We found that canopy space filling was largely explained by species identity effects rather than tree diversity effects. Communities with a high abundance of species with a conservative resource-use strategy were those with most densely packed canopies. Across monocultures and mixtures, a higher canopy space filling translated into an enhanced wood productivity. Importantly, most communities (83 %) produced more wood volume than the average of their constituent species in monoculture (i.e. most communities overyielded). Our results show that overyielding increased with leaf functional diversity and positive net biodiversity effects on canopy space filling, which mainly arose due to a high taxonomic diversity. These findings suggest that both taxonomic diversity-enhanced canopy space filling and canopy leaf diversity are important drivers for overyielding in mixed-species forests. Consequently, restoration initiatives should promote stands with functionally diverse canopies by selecting tree species with large interspecific differences in leaf nutrition, as well as leaf and branch morphology to optimize carbon capture in young forest stands.

Determining the Extent of damage in Snapped Southern Yellow Pine Trees with Acoustic Testing

Abstract Salvage of downed timber following a windstorm allows recovery of management options for landowners and wood products for industry. Because wood volumes are large and logging, transportation, mill storage, and processing capacities are limited, avoiding the selection of logs with damage can conserve those resources. Visual damage indicators are typically used to select and differentiate products, but damaged logs are still delivered to mills. Following experimental tree winching in 2021 and a tornado in 2023, we assessed lengths of broken trees with a Fakopp microsecond timer. Using a recognized defect limit (10% deviation from the maximum acoustic velocity) about 80 percent of volume in broken tops could be recovered. Standard rules of thumb applied from the end of visible damage resulted in the recovery of about 50 percent of the volume with a relatively low defect rate (&lt;10%). Applying bucking rules developed from acoustic measurements based on distance from snap might be easier to apply and increase recovery rates to over 70 percent of broken top volume.

The state and structure of beech primaeval forests in the “Zacharovanyi Krai” National Nature Park

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to preserve natural values, which are considered the heritage of all mankind, namely the primaeval forests and old-growth beech forests of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. The aim of the research was to study the state and structure of the beech primaeval forest in the national nature park “Zacharovanyi Krai”. For the study, a permanent sample plot of 1 ha (100×100 m) was laid down in the prevailing forest type – moist pure beech forest. This plot is located in the optimal forest-growing conditions for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) within the Vyhorlat-Hutyn volcanic ridge of the Ukrainian Carpathians. It was found that the beech forest stand on the plot is pure in composition and complex in form, characterised by different development phases (age groups by diameter): the first layer stand belongs to the mature age group (senile), the second layer – to the middle-aged group, and the third – to the pole (virginal). It was determined that 95% of the primaeval forest stock is the stock of the first layer, while the share of commercial trees of the first layer is 89% (66% of the total volume of stem wood of trees on the permanent sample plot). The main types of damage in the site are caused by abiotic factors. As a result of such damage, 43 m3‧ha-1 of deadwood was recorded, characterised by all 5 stages of decomposition. Under the canopy of the stand, 10,375 pcs‧ha-1 of undergrowth was recorded, of which the share of beech is 88%. Beech undergrowth is weakly differentiated by age groups: it was recorded only in the group of 7-year-olds and older and well-differentiated by height groups. By age group, undergrowth belongs to the juvenile-immature age state. The herbaceous cover is typical for nemoral forests. The presence of stationary research plots in the National Nature Park “Zakharovanyy Kray” makes it possible to constantly monitor the trends of natural development of the ecosystem – the beech primaeval forest

The Effect of Hardwood Veneer Densification on Plywood Density, Surface Hardness, and Screw Withdrawal Capacity

Increasing environmental awareness and the carbon-storing capability of wood have amplified its relevance as a building material. The demand for high-quality wood species necessitates exploring alternative, underutilized wood sources due to limited forest areas and premium wood volume. Consequently, the veneer-based industry is considering lower-value hardwood species like grey alder (Alnus Incania), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), and aspen (Populus tremula) as substitutes for high-quality birch (Betula pendula). Initially less appealing due to their lower density and mechanical properties, these species show promise through densification, which enhances their density, strength, and hardness. This study aims to enhance plywood screw withdrawal capacity and surface hardness by densifying low-density wood species and using them in plywood face-veneer layers, or in all layers. The relationship between the wood density, surface hardness, and screw withdrawal capacity of plywood made of low-value species like aspen and black alder is examined. Experimental work with a pilot-scale veneer and plywood production line demonstrates improved surface hardness (65% and 93% for aspen and black alder, respectively) and screw withdrawal capacity (16% and 35% for aspen and black alder, respectively) in densified face veneer plywood. This research highlights the potential of densified low-value wood species to meet construction requirements, expanding their practical applications.

AN ALGORITHM FOR CALCULATING THE STEREO FACTOR

Information on wood volume is essential in forestry activities, especially in the sale of wood products. However, measuring solid volume during a harvest period is challenging. The viable parameter for measurement is stereo volume, which refers to the stacked quantity of wood, including the empty spaces between the logs. However, the stereo volume–cubic volume (solid) ratio, which is influenced by the taper, uniformity, and size of the trees, needs to be obtained. In most cases, if a field tester does not choose a reference value, the result is less than reliable. In this work, an algorithm is presented that estimates the stereo–cubic volume relationship from forest inventory and tree stacking data. It was implemented in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to simulate virtual log stacking. Its accuracy was evaluated in three field trials: the first and second in a eucalyptus stand and the third in a bamboo stand. Implementing the three calculation methods, the errors ranged from -12.34 to 8.33% for the cubing factor and from -8.94 to 15.64% for the stacking factor, which was the first degree of reliability for a parameter that requires a high level of accuracy because of the impact on wood buying and selling. The algorithm is easy to use but needs further validation in forest harvesting areas.

FOREST HARVESTING: HOW MACHINE TRAFFIC CAN AFFECT SOIL COMPACTION VARIABILITY

The forestry sector has seen an increase in wood demand in recent years, requiring greater mechanization and sustainability in forestry operations, operational excellence, and productivity of stands. The effect of harvesting machine traffic on the soil alters its physical properties, causing degradation, soil compaction, and reducing the volumes of wood produced by commercial forests. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil physical attributes after harvesting and skidding operations, carried out by a harvester and forwarder respectively, in a commercial eucalyptus plantation. The study was conducted in two areas in the municipalities of Itanagra-BA and Entre Rios-BA. Samples were collected in three layers (0-0.20 m; 0.20–0.40 m; 0.40–0.60 m) and the following items were evaluated: total porosity, bulk density, and soil penetration resistance. Operations performed by the harvester and forwarder altered soil resistance, with a greater effect on sandy loam soils, decreasing their density and porosity. Regarding the number of forwarder passes, the seventh pass generated the peak resistance, altering soil recovery capacity, causing additional compaction. Operational planning, to reduce the effects of compaction in areas most susceptible to physical soil degradation, is essential in the forestry area, especially when moisture values are high, a factor that favors soil compaction and reduces stand productivity.

ТЕПЛОФИЗИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ И РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ГАЗИФИКАЦИИ ДРЕВЕСНЫХ И РАСТИТЕЛЬНЫХ ОТХОДОВ

The article compares the calculation results using the developed thermophysical composition model for the study of thermal gasification of wood and plant waste – renewable natural energy resources in a gas generator with the reverse combustion process and forced steam-air blast, which allows to achieve minimal formation of a by-product – resin. Based on the thermophysical model, the optimal consumption of solid fuel – wood and plant waste and oxidizer – atmospheric air is determined. The work can be used by technical engineers at enterprises in Russia and abroad for the environmentally friendly disposal of wood and plant waste in autonomous energy technology installations with combustion gas generators to generate thermal and electrical energy for the consumer. In particular, large volumes of wood and plant waste accumulate at wood processing and agricultural enterprises in the Tyumen region, which are an additional cheap source of energy.

Определение стоимости реализации древесины, полученной при использовании лесов земель лесного фонда в Нижегородском лесотаксовом регионе

The article discusses certain aspects related to the procedure and rules for determining the value of wood obtained in the course of carrying out activities on forest fund lands, in accordance with the content of articles 43–46 of the Forest Code, for the purpose of its subsequent implementation, based on algorithms defined by the relevant decree of the Government of Russia. In order to comply with legal requirements for determining the value, it is important to make comprehensive use of special knowledge: in the field of forest management, in understanding accounting processes, in the process of determining the species composition of wood and qualitative characteristics affecting its grade, etc. In the process of determining the cost, it is important to correctly take into account the necessary factors characterizing not only the volume of wood, but also its species composition, grade and dimensional characteristics, correctly determine the category of taxes, applied correction coefficients and other indicators detailed in legislation and regulatory and technical documents. The procedure and rules for determining the cost, with their strict observance, make it possible to exclude possible errors, including intentional ones, which, in turn, will allow you to get the maximum value for the object being sold, which will have a positive effect on the receipt of funds to the appropriate budget.