Forest Operations and Woody Biomass Logistics to Improve Efficiency, Value, and Sustainability

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Forest Operations and Woody Biomass Logistics to Improve Efficiency, Value, and Sustainability Bioenerg. Res. (2016) 9:518–533 DOI 10.1007/s12155-016-9735-1 Forest Operations and Woody Biomass Logistics to Improve Efficiency, Value, and Sustainability Nathaniel Anderson1 & Dana Mitchell2 Published online: 23 April 2016 # Springer Science+Business Media New York (outside the USA) 2016 Abstract This paper reviews the most recent work conducted information and options for field processing biomass to im- by scientists and engineers of the Forest Service of the US prove efficiency and mitigate impacts; and (3) forest biomass Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the areas of forest op- management systems and technologies to offset impacts and erations and woody biomass logistics, with an emphasis on enhance environmental outcomes. However, as needs evolve, feedstock supply for emerging bioenergy, biofuels, and professionals in this field must strive to adapt research, devel- bioproducts applications. This work is presented in the context opment, and dissemination to address relevant future chal- of previous research in this field by the agency and is mea- lenges and strengthen capabilities to solve critical problems sured against the goals and objectives provided by several in the forest sector. important national-level initiatives, including the USDA Regional Biomass Research Centers. Research conducted over the past 5 years in cooperation with a diverse group of Keywords Biomass . Feedstocks . Harvesting . Logistics . research partners is organized in four topic sections: innova- Operations . Processing tive practices, innovative machines, sustainability, and inte- gration. A wide range of studies in operations and logistics address advances in harvest and processing technology, trans- portation systems, scheduling and planning, feedstock quality, biomass conversion processes, and environmental impacts, Abbreviations including greenhouse gas emissions. We also discuss potential ac Acre future research to address persistent knowledge gaps, espe- bf Board feet cially those in fire and fuel management. Overall, the research BMP Best management practices reviewed here aligns well with broad national goals of provid- cf Cubic feet ing the USA with sustainable and efficient forest biomass dbh Diameter at breast height management and production systems, specifically including: ft Feet (1) improved harvest, collection, handling, and transportation FIA Forest Inventory and Analysis Program systems for woody biomass; (2) cost and equipment in. Inches LCA Life cycle assessment MC Moisture content * Nathaniel Anderson mbf 1000 board ft [email protected] mcf 1000 cubic ft USA United States USFS US Forest Service 1 US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 East Beckwith Drive, Missoula, MT 59801, USA USFS US Forest Service, Research and Development R&D Unit 2 US Forest Service, Southern Research Station, George W. Andrews Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 521 Devall Drive, Auburn, AL 36849, USDA US Department of Agriculture USA yd3 Cubic yards Bioenerg. Res. (2016) 9:518–533 519 Introduction periodic market fluctuations including the Great Recession (2007–2009), global restructuring in the forest sector has In a forestry context, woody biomass is defined as the stems, reconfigured production capacity at the national level, with limbs, tops, needles, leaves, and sometimes roots of trees and sawlog, fiber and biomass demand declining dramatically in other woody plants grown in a forest, woodland, or rangeland some regions, like the Rocky Mountain West, while increas- environment that are generated as the by-products of forest ing in others, like the US South. Traditional uses for forest management. As such, the use of woody biomass from forests biomass, such as fuel for heat and power, exist alongside new for energy and products is closely linked to the production of and emerging uses, such as feedstocks for biofuels, timber for wood products manufacturing. For much of the bioproducts, and wood pellets for export to Europe. mid-twentieth century, US national forests provided up to These changes have brought exciting opportunities for in- 20 % of the total annual national timber harvest [1], and sci- novation in forest operations and biomass logistics. Improving entists and engineers from the US Forest Service (USFS) of the productivity, costs, and quality of biomass recovered from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) studied forest bio- logging and mill operations remains a major focus, but USFS mass primarily as a byproduct of timber production on both research in this field has grown well beyond conventional public and private land. Much like today, forest biomass was systems to encompass everything from reducing carbon emis- variably a primary product, byproduct, or waste depending on sions to improving multi-product agroforestry practices. More market conditions and site characteristics. USFS research of than ever before, operations and logistics research is integrat- this era covered many topics that remain highly relevant, in- ed with work focused on other segments of the supply chain, cluding the development of empirical models to estimate often as a principal component of large, cross-disciplinary standing biomass [2], slash yields [3–5], production costs efforts that include life cycle assessment, techno-economic [6], and recoverable energy [7]. Government-funded biomass analysis, conversion technology development, social science research in the forest sector was particularly vigorous follow- research, and education. Studies are conducted on both private ing the 1973 oil crisis and subsequent oil price hikes, which and public land, and in collaboration with diverse stakeholders lasted into the mid-1980s. A forest bioenergy bibliography of and research partners in academia, government, non- the time could easily pass for a contemporary one, with arti- government organizations, and industry. The purpose of this cles on the economics of wood energy [8], development of paper is to review the most recent work conducted by USFS new equipment to harvest forest biomass [9, 10], biomass scientists and engineers in the areas of forest operations and utilization decision tools [11], the potential to significantly woody biomass logistics, with an emphasis on feedstock sup- displace imported oil [12], and even thermochemical conver- ply for emerging bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts appli- sion technologies for liquid fuel production [13]. cations (Table 1). In many cases, USFS contributions were Despite many topical similarities, the landscape has made as part of larger teams of researchers, including person- changed significantly for USFS biomass research in the nel from other organizations, and are included here if one or twenty-first century. The needs of key stakeholders have more authors has USFS affiliation. evolved. USFS programs deliver new knowledge, technical After a brief presentation of background and context, we assistance, and other resources to national forests, states, review a wide range of studies in four topic sections: innova- tribes, private landowners, businesses, local communities, tive practices, innovative machines, sustainability, and inte- and international partners. National forest managers are now gration. We also discuss potential future research to address charged with providing a broad spectrum of market and non- persistent knowledge gaps, and conclude with a summary of market benefits to diverse stakeholders who value timber, rec- the major accomplishments of the USFS Research and reation, water, soil, carbon sequestration, threatened and en- Development Unit (USFS R&D) in this field over the past dangered species, wilderness, and other ecosystem goods and 5years. services. Frequently, these stakeholders are directly and for- mally involved in collaborative planning to guide manage- USFS Operations and Logistics Research in Context ment activities, which take place under evolving political, reg- ulatory, and legal frameworks, especially with regards to en- This Special Issue of BioEnergy Research spans the bioenergy dangered species and pollution. Forests have also changed. and bioproducts supply chain (Fig. 1), from feedstock produc- Ecological patterns and processes in many forests have been tion (i.e., cultivation and silviculture) to logistics to conver- altered by wildfire, invasive species, climate change, urbani- sion to end use, with additional sections on economics, public zation, disease and insect outbreaks, and other stressors and policy, and sustainability. From a business management per- disturbances. Thinning and other partial treatments are widely spective, a supply chain is a network of organizations that used to reduce fire risk, remove non-native and invasive spe- efficiently manufacture and deliver a product that effectively cies, and restore forests to historic reference conditions, often meets the needs of end users. In the supply chain framework, at high net cost. And markets have changed. In addition to logistics encompasses all of the organizations, technologies, 520 Bioenerg. Res. (2016) 9:518–533 Table 1 Published forest operations and biomass logistics studies conducted by the US Forest Service since 2009. Many of these studies cover multiple segments of the supply chain but have been categorized based on their dominant emphasis Emphasis Description Feedstock(s) Equipment/system(s) Authors [Ref.] Utilization Utilization and yield Mixed species Multiple systems Simmons et al. [14], Grushecky equations et al. [15] On-unit General harvesting Mixed conifers,
Recommended publications
  • The Role of Reforestation in Carbon Sequestration
    New Forests (2019) 50:115–137 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-018-9655-3 The role of reforestation in carbon sequestration L. E. Nave1,2 · B. F. Walters3 · K. L. Hofmeister4 · C. H. Perry3 · U. Mishra5 · G. M. Domke3 · C. W. Swanston6 Received: 12 October 2017 / Accepted: 24 June 2018 / Published online: 9 July 2018 © Springer Nature B.V. 2018 Abstract In the United States (U.S.), the maintenance of forest cover is a legal mandate for federally managed forest lands. More broadly, reforestation following harvesting, recent or historic disturbances can enhance numerous carbon (C)-based ecosystem services and functions. These include production of woody biomass for forest products, and mitigation of atmos- pheric ­CO2 pollution and climate change by sequestering C into ecosystem pools where it can be stored for long timescales. Nonetheless, a range of assessments and analyses indicate that reforestation in the U.S. lags behind its potential, with the continuation of ecosystem services and functions at risk if reforestation is not increased. In this context, there is need for multiple independent analyses that quantify the role of reforestation in C sequestration, from ecosystems up to regional and national levels. Here, we describe the methods and report the fndings of a large-scale data synthesis aimed at four objectives: (1) estimate C storage in major ecosystem pools in forest and other land cover types; (2) quan- tify sources of variation in ecosystem C pools; (3) compare the impacts of reforestation and aforestation on C pools; (4) assess whether these results hold or diverge across ecore- gions.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Effects of Stump and Root Harvesting
    Research Note Environmental effects of stump and root harvesting Andy Moffat, Tom Nisbet and Bruce Nicoll September 2011 The removal of tree stumps and coarse roots from felling sites as a source of woody biomass for bioenergy generation is well established in parts of Europe, and interest has been expressed in replicating this practice in some regions of the UK. Overseas research shows that stump harvesting can pose a risk to sustainable forest management, unless care is taken in site selection and operational practice. Poor practice can lead to detrimental effects on soil structure, increasing the risk of soil erosion, and depletes soil nutrient and carbon capital. Stump and root harvesting can also have impacts on woodland biodiversity, archaeological heritage and tree health. This Research Note offers a synthesis of available evidence on the effects of stump harvesting, drawn from largely overseas sources but critically considered for their applicability to British conditions. The overall environmental effects of stump harvesting on forest sites in the UK, and the relative magnitude of these effects compared with conventional restock site preparation, are under ongoing investigation. The results will be used to develop more definitive guidance. Preliminary guidance published by Forest Research sets out how the risks of potential damaging effects can be minimised, notably by careful assessment of site suitability and location of activities on low risk sites. It is recommended that this is used to guide the planning and location of stump and root harvesting operations in Britain. FCRN009 1 Introduction Figure 1 A tracked excavator (a) fitted with a stump removal head (b).
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Estimating Profitability of Two Biochar Production Scenarios
    Estimating Profitability of Two Biochar Production Scenarios: Slow Pyrolysis vs. Fast Pyrolysis Tristan R. Brown1 *, Mark M. Wright2, 3, and Robert C. Brown2, 3 Iowa State University 1Biobased Industry Center 2Department of Mechanical Engineering 3Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies * [email protected] Iowa State University Ames, IA 50011 Tel: (515) 460-0183 Fax: (515) 294-6336 ABSTRACT We estimate the profitability of producing biochar from crop residue (corn stover) for two scenarios. The first employs slow pyrolysis to generate biochar and pyrolysis gas and has the advantage of high yields of char (as much as 40 wt-%) but the disadvantage of producing a relatively low-value energy product (pyrolysis gas of modest heating value). The second scenario employs fast pyrolysis to maximize production of bio-oil with biochar and pyrolysis gas as lower-yielding co-products. The fast pyrolysis scenario produces a substantially higher value energy product than slow pyrolysis but at the cost of higher capital investment. We calculate the internal rate of return (IRR) for each scenario as functions of cost of feedstock and projected revenues for the pyrolysis facility. The assumed price range for delivered biomass feedstock is $0 to $83 per metric ton. The assumed carbon offset value for biochar ranges from $20 per metric ton of biochar in 2015 to $60 in 2030. The slow pyrolysis scenario in 2015 is not profitable at an assumed feedstock cost of $83 per metric ton. The fast pyrolysis scenario in 2015 yields 15% IRR with the same feedstock cost because gasoline refined from the bio-oil provides revenues of $2.96 per gallon gasoline equivalent.
    [Show full text]
  • Biomass Basics: the Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day
    Biomass Basics: The Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day Energy is essential in our daily lives. We use it to fuel our cars, grow our food, heat our homes, and run our businesses. Most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These fuels provide the energy that we need today, but there are several reasons why we are developing sustainable alternatives. 2 We are running out of fossil fuels Fossil fuels take millions of years to form within the Earth. Once we use up our reserves of fossil fuels, we will be out in the cold - literally - unless we find other fuel sources. Bioenergy, or energy derived from biomass, is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it can be produced from renewable sources, such as plants and waste, that can be continuously replenished. Fossil fuels, such as petroleum, need to be imported from other countries Some fossil fuels are found in the United States but not enough to meet all of our energy needs. In 2014, 27% of the petroleum consumed in the United States was imported from other countries, leaving the nation’s supply of oil vulnerable to global trends. When it is hard to buy enough oil, the price can increase significantly and reduce our supply of gasoline – affecting our national security. Because energy is extremely important to our economy, it is better to produce energy in the United States so that it will always be available when we need it. Use of fossil fuels can be harmful to humans and the environment When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pine Stump: Nature's Container for Wood
    Pinova, Inc. | 2801 Cook Street | Brunswick, Georgia 31520 www.pinovasolutions.com THE PINE STUMP: NATURE’S CONTAINER FOR WOOD ROSIN... pinovasolutions.com/sell-your-pine-stumps Pine trees are among our nation’s STUMP HARVESTING DEFRAYS SITE PREP COSTS, IMPROVES THE ...AND THE ROOTS OF A most resilient and renewable natural GLOBAL INDUSTRY AT resources, blanketing the PRODUCTIVITY OF THE LAND, ENCOURAGES NATURAL REFORESTATION AND Southeastern coastal plain from REMOVES FUEL FROM THE FOREST FLOOR DURING PRESCRIBED BURNS PINOVA. North Carolina to Louisiana. The experienced team of Pinova foresters, working in seven Truckloads of harvested stumps are shipped to the Pinova Above ground, mature pine trees are southeastern states, engages directly with land owners and land production plant in Brunswick, Georgia beginning a process cut and trucked away for lumber and managers. The foresters will walk the land, identify the suitable by which their naturally-formed rosin and oil are extracted, stumps, and negotiate a contract for the stumps with the owner refined and reborn into an array of specialty products. building products. Yet below ground, or manager. The natural rosins extracted from pine stumps provide the pine stump remains. For over a the basis for a broad range of high performance specialty resins for the world’s most essential industries and best century, Pinova has utilized these Pinova seeks known brands. same stumps as the foundation of a stumps from longleaf or global industry. slash pines that are 40 years or Through a mutually-beneficial Pinova fully utilizes the entire stump, incinerating the older and have remaining wood fibers to generate 100% of the steam and process, Pinova partners with land been cut 30% of electricity for the Brunswick plant.
    [Show full text]
  • Forestry· Wildlife Guidelines to Habitat Management
    11111111~113 0318 r~1~1 mmmr1~1~11~1~r11~11111111 00028. 8449 This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp (Funding for document digitization was provided, in part, by a grant from the Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Program.) FORESTRY· WILDLIFE GUIDELINES ·, TO HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1985 Revision FOREST - --·----·- ~ ... / -T-R A N S I T I 0 N PRAIRIE ·MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES GENERAL CON:rENrS SEr.rION PAGES .EOLICY - WILDLIFE/FORESTRY COORDINATION •••••••••••••••• A-G I - I'NI.'RC.>IXJC'I ION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 - 12 Foreword, Approval, Vegetative Zones and Habitat Evaluation, Vegetative Zone Map II - MANAGEMEN.r IN!'EGRATION BY GENERAL PRACI'ICES •••••••••••• 13 -24 Rationale, Soils Evaluation, Timber Harvest, Reforestation, Tirrber stand Improvement III - MANAGEMENI' IN!'EGRATION BY TIMBER TYPE •••••••••••••••••• 25 - 42 References, Aspen and Paper Birch, Oaks, Northern Hardwoods, Central Hardwoods, Lowland Hardwoods, Conifers, Deforested Areas IV - WILDLIFE PROJECTS FOR HABITAT MANAGEMEN.r IN CONJUN:TION WITH TIMBER MANAGEMENI' •••••••••••••••••• 43 - 54 Wildlife Openings, Roads and Trails, Non­ corrmercial Cover Type Regeneration, Brush Piles, Fruit Trees V - WILDLIFE PROJECTS FOR HABITAT MANAGEMENI' SEPARATE FROM TIMBER MANAGEMENI' ••••••••••••••••••••••• 55 - 60 Browse Regeneration, Agriculture Leases
    [Show full text]
  • Biomass to Biochar
    BIOCHAR AN ELEGANT SOLUTION FOR COMPLEX PROBLEMS THE COMPLEX PROBLEM Climate change from too much CO2 and other GHG’s in the atmosphere 1. Excess CO2 from burning fossil fuels 2. Methane (CH4) from livestock, landfills & decomposition 3. Nitrogen/phosphorous run-off and N2O off-gassing from fossil fuels converted to fertilizer 4. Temperature and moisture regime change deleterious to plant health, benefitting disease & insect life-cycles 5. Concentrations of biomass “waste” in agriculture and forestry 6. High forest density & increasing wildfire risk Climate Benefits: Carbon and More FOCUS ON BIOCHAR CHARCOAL WITH A PURPOSE Support soil biology & nutrients Protect biology from heavy metals & toxins BIOCHAR is CARBON CARBON WITH AMENITIES B x xx SUSTAINABLE OBTAINABLE SOLUTIONS 6 ? ALGAE www.prosandconsbiomassenergy.org BIOCHAR: the carbon-rich residue of heating biomass without oxygen 75% mass loss Pyrolysis 40-55% 75-90% carbon carbon 50% carbon loss BIOMASS BIOCHAR Lehmann, 2007, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7, 381-387 PRODUCTS OF PYROLYSIS Non-Fossil Fuel Energy • Syngas - substitute for propane • Bio-oil - bunker fuel, pre-cursor to bio-diesel • Heat - space heating, steam production, producing electricity More Climate Benefits • Biochar - carbon sequestration, soil amendment, less NPK fertilizer use, GHG capture, carbon credits • Waste – reduce by conversion • Emissions – captured and recycled FULL CIRCLE SOLUTION MINIMAL EMISSIONS Actual Emissions from University of Montana BioMax System Putting the Bio in the Char SOILS, PLANTS & ANIMALS Nutrients Habitat Water Biochar in Soil GHGs pH Carbon Texture BIOCHAR in COMPOST 10% by volume reduces CH4 and N2O off-gassing and nutrient run-off Reduces odors Retains well-distributed moisture in production piles Absorbs more radiant heat Compost charges biochar with nutrients Enhances soil fertility long-term BIOCHAR IMPROVES PLANT GROWTH 20t/ha biochar 8t/ha biochar No biochar Cornfield in Colombia Plants absorb CO2.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009 Land Management Plan
    2009 LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (Updated Annual Harvest Plan -2014) Itasca County Land Department 1177 LaPrairie Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3322 218-327-2855 ● Fax: 218-327-4160 LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN Itasca County Land Department Acknowledgements This Land Management Plan was produced by Itasca County Land Department employees Garrett Ous, Dave Marshall, Michael Gibbons, Adam Olson, Bob Scheierl, Roger Clark, Kory Cease, Steve Aysta, Tim Stocker, Perry Leone, Wayne Perreault, Blair Carlson, Loren Eide, Bob Rother, Andrew Brown, Del Inkman, Darlene Brown and Meg Muller. Thank you to all the citizens for their sincere input and review during the public involvement process. And thank you to Itasca County Commissioners Lori Dowling, Karen Burthwick, Rusty Eichorn, Catherine McLynn and Mark Mandich for their vision and final approval of this document. Foreword This land management plan is designed for providing vision and direction to guide strategic and operational programs of the Land Department. That vision and direction reflects a long standing connection with local economic, educational and social programs. The Land Department is committed to ensuring that economic benefits and environmental integrity are available to both present and future generations. That will be accomplished through actively managing county land and forests for a balance of benefits to the citizens and for providing them with a sustained supply of quality products and services. The Department will apply quality forestland stewardship practices, employ modern technology and information, and partner with other forest organizations to provide citizens with those quality products and services. ________________________________ Garrett Ous September, 2009 Itasca County Land Commissioner 1177 LaPrairie Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3322 218-327-2855 ● Fax: 218-327-4160 ICLD - LMP Section i., page 1 of 3 Itasca County Land Department Land Management Plan Table of Contents i.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding the Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Balance of Forests in Britain
    Research Report Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain Research Report Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain James Morison, Robert Matthews, Gemma Miller, Mike Perks, Tim Randle, Elena Vanguelova, Miriam White and Sirwan Yamulki Forestry Commission: Edinburgh © Crown Copyright 2012 You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or e-mail: [email protected]. First published in 2012 by Forestry Commission, Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT. ISBN 978-0-85538-855-3 Morison, J., Matthews, R., Miller, G., Perks, M., Randle, T., Vanguelova, E., White, M. and Yamulki, S. (2012). Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain. Forestry Commission Research Report. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh. i–vi + 1–149 pp. Keywords: Forest carbon; carbon stocks; soil carbon; greenhouse gas balance; mitigation; fossil fuel substitution; forest management. FCRP018/FC-GB(STUDIO9)/0K/MAR12 Enquiries relating to this publication should be addressed to: Forestry Commission 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh Scotland, EH12 7AT T: 0131 334 0303 E: [email protected] The Forestry Commission will consider all requests to make the content of publications available in alternative formats. Please direct requests to the Forestry Commission Diversity Team at the above address, or by email at [email protected] or by phone on 0131 314 6575.
    [Show full text]
  • Soil Disturbance Resulting from Stump Harvesting
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286450945 Soil disturbance resulting from stump harvesting Article · December 2015 READS 27 4 authors, including: Clare A. Wilson Andy J Moffat University of Stirling University of Reading 50 PUBLICATIONS 275 CITATIONS 166 PUBLICATIONS 1,043 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE All in-text references underlined in blue are linked to publications on ResearchGate, Available from: Andy J Moffat letting you access and read them immediately. Retrieved on: 28 April 2016 20 STUMP HARVESTING © RSFS SCOTTISH FORESTRY VOL 69 NO 2 2015 PEER REVIEWED Soil Physical Disturbance resulting from Stump Harvesting Jeff Collison,1 Clare A Wilson,1 Andy J Moffat2 and John Gallacher3 1Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK 2Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH, UK. [email protected] 3Tilhill Forestry, 1 Duckburn Park, Stirling Road, Dunblane, Perthshire, FK15 0EW, UK Introduction The harvesting of tree stumps and major roots for use as bioenergy feedstocks has taken place in various parts of the world over the last few decades. Interest in this commercial opportunity in the UK began in the 2000s and experimental and operational scale trials took place, mainly in Scotland, to explore the technology and its logistics (e.g. Saunders, 2008). In parallel, reviews of the possible environmental consequences of stump harvesting were commissioned (e.g. Walmsley and Godbold, 2010). These pointed to the likely increased effect on soil disturbance that stump harvesting could cause. They also identified the need for further ‘field scale research….
    [Show full text]
  • Forest Age Class Change Simulator (FACCS): a Spreadsheet-Based Model for Estimation of Forest Change and Biomass Availability
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy Forest Age Class Change Simulator (FACCS): A spreadsheet-based model for estimation of forest change and biomass availability by David C. Wilson, Grant M. Domke and Alan R. Ek February 2014 Staff Paper Series No. 228 Department of Forest Resources College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 1 For more information about the Department of Forest Resources and its teaching, research, and outreach programs, contact the department at: Department of Forest Resources University of Minnesota 115 Green Hall 1530 Cleveland Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55108-6112 Ph: 612.624.3400 Fax: 612.625.5212 Email: [email protected] http://www.forestry.umn.edu/publications/staffpapers/index.html and see also http://iic.umn.edu/ The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. 2 Forest Age Class Change Simulator (FACCS): A spreadsheet based model for estimation of forest change and biomass availability by David C. Wilson, Grant M. Domke and Alan R. Ek February 23, 2014 Technical Report Interagency Information Cooperative 3 Acknowledgements This research was funded by the Interagency Information Cooperative, University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station under project MIN 42-019. The authors wish to thank Professor Thomas E.
    [Show full text]
  • Biomass Resources Using Published Forestry Data from the UN Forestry and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
    World forest and agricultural crop residue resources for cofiring Paul Baruya April 2015 © IEA Clean Coal Centre World forest and agricultural crop residue resources for cofiring Author: Paul Baruya IEACCC Ref: CCC/249 ISBN: 978–92–9029–571-6 Copyright: © IEA Clean Coal Centre Published Date: May 2015 IEA Clean Coal Centre 14 Northfields London SW18 1DD United Kingdom Telephone: +44(0)20 8877 6280 www.iea-coal.org 2 IEA Clean Coal Centre ‒ World forest and agricultural crop residue resources for cofiring Preface This report has been produced by IEA Clean Coal Centre and is based on a survey and analysis of published literature, and on information gathered in discussions with interested organisations and individuals. Their assistance is gratefully acknowledged. It should be understood that the views expressed in this report are our own, and are not necessarily shared by those who supplied the information, nor by our member countries. IEA Clean Coal Centre is an organisation set up under the auspices of the International Energy Agency (IEA) which was itself founded in 1974 by member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The purpose of the IEA is to explore means by which countries interested in minimising their dependence on imported oil can co-operate. In the field of Research, Development and Demonstration over fifty individual projects have been established in partnership between member countries of the IEA. IEA Clean Coal Centre began in 1975 and has contracting parties and sponsors from: Australia, Austria, China, the European Commission, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, the UK and the USA.
    [Show full text]