Forests

Research

16 pages, 1660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Wood Moisture Content on the Productivity and Costs of Forest Energy Supply Chains in Southeast Brazil

by Elaine Cristina Leonello, Mauricio Acuna, Mark Brown, Maura Seiko Tsutsui Esperancini, Adriano Wagner Ballarin, Saulo Philipe Sebastião Guerra and Humberto de Jesus Eufrade-Junior

Forests 2024, 15(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010139 - 9 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1807

Abstract

Using wood for power generation necessitates a more efficient production chain in the various steps: harvesting, forwarding, storage, chipping, transport, and conversion systems. In this context, the moisture content (MC) of wood can impact the harvesting operation, the volume to be chipped, the [...] Read more.

Using wood for power generation necessitates a more efficient production chain in the various steps: harvesting, forwarding, storage, chipping, transport, and conversion systems. In this context, the moisture content (MC) of wood can impact the harvesting operation, the volume to be chipped, the transportation of raw materials, the storage time, and other factors, thereby influencing the economic aspects of the chain. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of wood moisture content on the yield and costs of different forest operation chains for power generation in São Paulo State, Brazil. Our findings reveal that harvesting and forest transport are the primary cost components (over 80%) in the supply chains under study. We observed a difference of up to 17.6% in the unit cost of the energy generated among the studied supply chains. In economic and sustainable terms, our results suggest that logs should be stored in the field for three to four months and the transport distance to the power plant should not exceed 100 km. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structural, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Wood from Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Affected by Scots Pine Blister Rust

by Patrycja Kulak, Hubert Lachowicz, Tadeusz Moskalik, Jacek Piętka, Monika Aniszewska and Arkadiusz Gendek

Forests 2023, 14(11), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14112161 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1150

Abstract

The objective of this work was to examine the effects of Scots pine blister rust on the quality of Scots pine wood. The research material was taken from tree parts with visible symptoms of fungal infection as well as from unaffected tree parts. [...] Read more.

The objective of this work was to examine the effects of Scots pine blister rust on the quality of Scots pine wood. The research material was taken from tree parts with visible symptoms of fungal infection as well as from unaffected tree parts. Our results show that the effects of the fungus Cronartium pini (Willd.) Jørst. are local and do not prevent the use of wood, and especially its unaffected fragments. Statistical analysis was used to describe the ways in which the pathogen altered wood. While the fungus statistically increased wood density, it significantly diminished its strength parameters. The structural properties of infected and healthy wood from affected trees were found to be similar and much higher than the average values for Scots pine. The higher transverse parameters of wood fibers had a beneficial effect on morphological properties. Scots pine blister rust significantly decreased wood homogeneity, which, together with stem deformation, lowered the quality of timber and reduced its yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring of Respiratory Health Risks Caused by Biomass Storage in Urban-Type Heating Plants

by Martin Lieskovský and Miloš Gejdoš

Forests 2023, 14(4), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14040707 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1275

Abstract

The aim of this work was to carry out long-term monitoring on the concentration and identification of phytopathogens in wood chip storage areas in urban-type heating plants. Three municipal heating plants in the central part of Slovakia were selected. The plants store biomass [...] Read more.

The aim of this work was to carry out long-term monitoring on the concentration and identification of phytopathogens in wood chip storage areas in urban-type heating plants. Three municipal heating plants in the central part of Slovakia were selected. The plants store biomass in large-capacity piles with a volume of 4 to 5000 m³. Samples were obtained every year in the 2017–2022 period from the surface of the piles and from a depth of 0.5 m. Their moisture content was determined in the laboratory and the microbial analysis was performed by an accredited laboratory. The average number of colonies of phytopathogens did not differ significantly in individual years. The highest number of colony-forming units per gram was achieved by the species of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus. In terms of occurrence in individual years and the frequency of occurrence in individual samples, the most frequently recorded species were Mycelia Sterilia, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus unguis, and Yeasts. Based on the results achieved, in the future it will be necessary to establish legislative frameworks for these risks and, at least at the national level, work procedures for individual work activities, so that the health and life of the workers of the plants, as well as residents in the vicinity of this type of plant, are not endangered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifactorial Analysis of the Axle Load of Truck Sets during the Transport of Sawmill By-Products

by Grzegorz Trzciński and Łukasz Tymendorf

Forests 2022, 13(12), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13121992 - 25 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1425

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the actual axle loads of vehicles used for the transport of sawmill by-products, resulting from the total weight of the transport set (GVW) at different times of the year and depending on the type of [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate the actual axle loads of vehicles used for the transport of sawmill by-products, resulting from the total weight of the transport set (GVW) at different times of the year and depending on the type of sets and transported assortment. Sawmill by-product loads were divided into groups: wood chips, sawdust, slabs and recycled wood. The research was carried out at the recipient of the sawmill by-products as well as at the producer. The GVW was determined on the basis of weighing the entire set on a stationary scale at the premises of the companies. The load on the individual axles of high tonnage truck units was measured using Model DINI ARGEO WWSD portable truck scales with a 3590M309 weighing terminal. Almost 230 transports were analyzed. It was shown that the average GVW is 39.25 t for transport sets with a load of 22.44 t of sawmill by-products with the usage of the semi-trailer capacity of 0.85. For all transport sets, the average load on the individual axles range from 6.72 t (axle 5 in a six-axle truck and trailer-TT) to 10.29 t for axle 2 in a truck and semi-trailer (TST), where the highest occurs on axle 2 of the truck (drive axle). The influence of the type of transport set (TST or TT) and the type of the assortments on the axle load is shown, and the existing correlations are at the level of 0.604–0.669 for axles 3–5 in the TST set. The static axle loads of the transport sets for the sawmill by-products and the distribution of the total weight of the set among the axles are different from those for roundwood transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bearing Capacity of Forest Roads on Poor-Bearing Road Subgrades following Six Years of Use

by Grzegorz Trzciński

Forests 2022, 13(11), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13111888 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1491

Abstract

The research was conducted on a forest road on the territory of the State Forests in Poland, in the Brzeziny Forest District, where eight test sections with a total length of 422 m were created with different pavement system on a low-bearing soil [...] Read more.

The research was conducted on a forest road on the territory of the State Forests in Poland, in the Brzeziny Forest District, where eight test sections with a total length of 422 m were created with different pavement system on a low-bearing soil substrate (clay, silt loam) as part of the road reconstruction in 2016. The bearing capacity of the pavement was evaluated based on the static strain modulus M_E MN·m⁻² by measuring with a statistic plate (VSS), the dynamic deformation modulus E_vd MN·m⁻² obtained from lightweight deflectometer measurements, and the elastic deflection of the pavement Us mm evaluated from Benkelaman beam measurements. It has been shown that pavements made of crushed aggregate and common gravel on timber roller substructure maintain good bearing capacity parameters, where the average values of secondary modulus of strain are above 130 MN·m⁻², and in the case of pine rollers, this modulus has increased. Pavements on low-bearing soils reinforced with willow brushwood mattresses have low bearing capacity parameters, with averages of 26.09 ≤ M_EII ≤ 53.93 and 22.1 ≤ E_vd ≤ 39.1 MN·m⁻², but the technical condition of the pavement makes it possible to continue carrying out forestry-related transportation. The research confirms the possibility of reinforcing soils with poor bearing capacity with wooden rollers, and in the case of willow mats for roads with light truck movements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Data-Driven Optimization of Forestry and Wood Procurement toward Carbon-Neutral Logistics of Forest Industry

by Teijo Palander and Lauri Vesa

Forests 2022, 13(5), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050759 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2725

Abstract

Investments toward a carbon-neutral forest industry will change forestry and wood procurement in Northern Finland. The changing market situation requires data-driven DSSs for the strategic management of logistics. Using this software, logistics were described by a continuing wood flow model and optimized by [...] Read more.

Investments toward a carbon-neutral forest industry will change forestry and wood procurement in Northern Finland. The changing market situation requires data-driven DSSs for the strategic management of logistics. Using this software, logistics were described by a continuing wood flow model and optimized by a dynamic method. Three logistics scenarios described wood flows in the present and in the future. The optimization minimized the economic and environmental costs, which decreased by 4.9%. However, synchronized multimodal transportation costs increased by 23.3%. Therefore, maximum logistics efficiency necessitates increases in railway transport capacity. The change would also decrease CO₂ emission costs. Under scenario-specific circumstances, logistics operations could be focused on four profitable regions, increasing market shares at municipalities. To guarantee environmental sustainability of these municipalities, optimization of timber markets between forest owners and forest industry must be developed further by driving data from the EU’s emission allowance price compensation mechanism to the optimization process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Effect of Target Log Length on Log Recovery and Harvesting Cost: The Example of Short-Rotation Poplar Plantations

by Raffaele Spinelli, Barnabáš Kováč, Patrik Heger, Dávid Heilig, Bálint Heil, Gábor Kovács and Natascia Magagnotti

Forests 2022, 13(5), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050669 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

Log production is the main target of new short-rotation poplar plantations, and their profitability depends on maximizing log yield. The authors set up a controlled experiment to determine the log yield increase obtained by shortening log length specification from 4 to 2 m, [...] Read more.

Log production is the main target of new short-rotation poplar plantations, and their profitability depends on maximizing log yield. The authors set up a controlled experiment to determine the log yield increase obtained by shortening log length specification from 4 to 2 m, and to quantify the additional cost incurred by this change. The experiment indicated that reducing log length specifications allows a significant increase (+40%) in log yield in low-yielding (<25 BDT ha⁻¹) plantations, only. Such increase is matched by a parallel increase in harvesting cost (+33%) that must be balanced against the recovered additional value. Measures are suggested to mitigate the harvesting cost increment, such as: dual log length specifications, modifications of the forwarder load bay and changing from cut-to-length to whole-tree harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Within-Stem Differences in Moisture Content Loss during Transpiration and Air-Drying of Felled Oak Trees

by Arkadiusz Tomczak, Karol Tomczak, Tomasz Jelonek and Bartłomiej Naskrent

Forests 2022, 13(3), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13030485 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2312

Abstract

This study evaluated within-stem differences in the moisture content of stored summer-harvested oak wood with respect to drying method. The felled oaks were naturally dried for eight weeks, from 4 July to 29 August 2017. We analyzed two methods of preparation and storage: [...] Read more.

This study evaluated within-stem differences in the moisture content of stored summer-harvested oak wood with respect to drying method. The felled oaks were naturally dried for eight weeks, from 4 July to 29 August 2017. We analyzed two methods of preparation and storage: a transpiration drying method (W), and an air-drying method for stem-wood (L). Transpiration drying is a better method for oak stems than air-drying. Statistically significant differences between drying methods were found after six weeks of storage. This coincided with complete wilting of the leaves. However, signs of wilting and leaf color change appeared earlier, between the second and fourth weeks of storage. In parallel, in scenario W, a statistically significant difference in MC of sapwood was observed between the second and fourth weeks of storage. Such a phenomenon was not observed in scenario L. The MC of heartwood also gradually decreased, especially in scenario W. Explanation of this phenomenon lay outside the scope of this study; however, it indicates how the structure and properties of wood, in addition to storage conditions and methods, influence the efficiency of biomass drying in the harvesting area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chain of Dependence: Forest Production, Harvesting, Transport and Properties of Raw Materials Wood and Their Processing and Application in the Wood Industry)

► Show Figures