Original scientific paper
Productivity and Energy Balance in Conversion of a Quercus Cerris L. Coppice Stand into High Forest in Central Italy
Rodolfo Picchio
orcid.org/0000-0002-9375-7795
; Department of Environment and Forests (DAF), University of Tuscia
Mauro Maesano
; Science and Technology Department for Environment and Territory, University of Molise
Serena Savelli
; Department of Ecology and Sustainable Economic Development (DECOS), University of Tuscia
Enrico Marchi
orcid.org/0000-0001-6485-7044
; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientli Forestali, University of Firenze
Abstract
The work was carried out in Caprarola (Viterbo, Central Italy), in an aged Quercus cerris L. coppice positioned in hill zones, with 45% average slope. Harvesting was conducted according to the shortwood system (SWS). Felling and processing were done by chainsaw, while the bunching was performed with three different systems: in Plot 1 with mules, in Plot 2 with a tractor-mounted winch, in Plot 3 with poliethylene chutes. Logs were then forwarded to the roadside landing with a farm tractor, equipped with front and rear container bins. Finally, transportation from the landing to the company depot was performed with a truck and trailer unit. In order to speed up loading, a tractor equipped with a loader was used during this stage. On the basis of time consumption, product output and energy consumption, the authors estimated both the productivity and the energy balance obtained with each system. The best extraction productivity (PSH0) was achieved in Plot 2 (winching, 0.8 td.w. h–1 worker–1), while the lowest one was achieved in Plot 1 (mules, 0.5 td.w. h–1 worker–1). The energetic efficiency was high in all the plots (on average, 97.6±0.3%). No correlation between time consumption and energy efficiency was observed. For Plot 3, high productivity, low time consumption and high system efficiency suggest that chutes are the most efficient bunching method from the energetic viewpoint. As the site was in a Nature Reserve and chutes are known to minimize damage to soil and seedlings, this system is to be recommended from both the energetic and environmental point of view, provided that wood can be extracted downhill.
Keywords
forest operation; conversion of coppice to high forest; productivity; energy balance
Hrčak ID:
39646
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2009.
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