This research aimed to quantify the logging residues remaining after full tree partial harvesting.
The research article is titled “Logging Residue Volumes and Characteristics following Integrated Roundwood and Energy-Wood Whole-Tree Harvesting in Central Maine”, and was published in the Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 28, Number 2, June 2011 (pp. 66-71). The authors were Julia Briedis, Jeremy Wilson, Jeffrey Benjamin and Robert Wagner.
The woody material remaining on 12 harvesting sites was measured using line intersect sampling, and then characterised. All sites had been harvested with feller-bunchers and grapple skidders within a year of the research taking place. The mean volume of residue across all the sites was 726 ft3/acre (50.8 m3/ha). 47% of this residue was generated by the harvesting activities. The results showed that variability of residue volumes was higher within sites than between sites.
Coarse woody material of between 3 and 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) in diameter dominated the residue, and logs of greater than 10 inches (25.4 cm) were rare. The volumes of harvesting residue were similar to other studies carried out in similar conditions.
For a more complete account of the research, please consult the journal.
Source: http://saf.publisher.ingentaconnect.com/content/saf/njaf/2011/