Sprout control of hardwoods by uprooting

Vigorous regrowth of deciduous stump sprouts after early pre-commercial thinning (PCT) causes a need of later pre-commercial thinning in order to ensure better growing conditions for more valuable coniferous trees. Uprooting improves efficiency of young stand management by preventing sprouting and minimizing the number of repeated operations. Dilemma of repeated cutting in young stand management Traditionally young stand management is done motor-manually by clearing saw in two phases: early PCT …

What is boom-corridor thinning (BCT) and what added values could it bring to forestry?

Boom-corridor thinning (BCT) is a harvesting operation method that increases efficiency and cost-effectiveness by thinning strips in young dense stands of a defined size with boom-tip harvesting technology. Different boom corridor patterns and how they are applied give different degree of selective tree selection. For example, using a fan-shaped pattern (see Figure), “laid out” by the decision of the operator, will give higher degree of tree selection than of using …

Efficiency of white-rot fungus in the sprout control

The costs of young stand management keep increasing and labor continues to shrink. Young stand management rely on mechanical cutting as use of chemical herbicides are restricted by forest certification. Alternative – effective and environmentally friendly – biocontrol methods have been studied to prevent vigorous regrowth of stump sprouts. By effective sprout control second pre-commercial thinning (PCT) is not needed which improves cost-efficiency of young stand management. New methods to …

Five new info packages present e.g. how to tackle the problems of pre-commercial thinning, how to equip forest machines to prevent soil damages and much more!

D1.1 Database and models regarding soil type specific bearing capacity and hydraulic transfer properties This report focuses on material and method descriptions for a number of individual studies that are done within WP1, while all the models developed within EFFORTE will be published later. The report includes two sections: 1. Database set up in France on 12 plots to adapt an existing soil type specific hydrological model named PASTIS to …

EFFORTE from A to Z in Impact magazine – getting the message of sustainable and efficient forestry across in EU

Impact is a series of high-quality, open access science reports designed to boost the dissemination of research impact. The publication features content from the world’s leading research agencies, policy groups, universities and research projects – and EFFORTE recently joined that group. Forestry issues – for example the discussions about carbon sinks and LULUCF regulation – are constantly in the spotlight in Europe and especially in countries, where forests cover a …

Forest soils under the spotlight during French seminar on 25 June

What is the impact of the intensification of timber harvesting on forest soils and what are the good management practices to be implemented? 80 participants from forest companies, research organizations and NGOs debated those questions at the seminar day on 25 June 2018 in Paris, France. The program of the day included presentations by representatives of Ademe, the Ministry of Agriculture, FCBA and INRA, the National Forestry Office (ONF), the …

Sharing knowledge and best practice across Europe means we can all continue to push innovation in harvesting says James Jones’ director

  James Jones & Sons is a Scottish, family-owned timber processing company and while it may have a long, 180-year-old history, it also has some fresh and innovative thoughts about harvesting. James Jones strengthen the EFFORTE team with their expertise in sustainable and environmentally friendly forestry and sawmilling in the UK. Strong cooperation between the company and research is much needed. Climate change is hitting the UK hard with instances …

Project coordinator Jori Uusitalo rewarded by Ponsse and Teollisuuden Metsänhoitajat 

Luke’s principal research scientist Jori Uusitalo has received two recognitions for his successful work related to harvesting. In March, Uusitalo was rewarded with Einarin lomppi –recognition reward for his work in predicting, modeling and controlling the wood raw material with advanced technology, in utilizing real time raw material and location information in wood harvesting and producing learning material of the field. The Einarin lomppi –recognition was invented by Einari Vidgren, the late founder of Ponsse. It has been granted since 2006 …

Trafficability model testing results in the June issue of UK’s Forest & Timber News

Forest operations can cause some damage to grounds, but the type and extent of damage depends on soil type and the machine used. We did some tests in Finland and in Scotland to better understand the damages and eventually to develop forestry so that damages are as harmless as possible. Up to date knowledge helps harvester and forwarder operators to enhance their work and to better choose the best routes. …

Finding suitable landing sites at cuttings with geodata

Finding suitable areas for landing sites can be challenging in forest operations. Skogforsk has in EFFORTE project developed a GIS model that shows suitable landing areas in adjacent to forest roads. The accuracy is up to 90% compared to recently used landings. Choosing a good location for the landing is an important part of the drive. The location must be where it is easy to unload and load wood products …