Economics of forest biomass for bioenergy: potential site preparation savings from coarse woody harvesting residue removal in a short-rotation Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.) plantation

The study used time studies and cost analysis to assess potential economic benefits from site preparation reductions resulting producing coarse woody harvesting residue (CWHR) for bioenergy. In contrast, previous have predominantly anecdotal estimates of costs.The was performed in a recently clearfelled 15-year-old plantation Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) Tasmania, Australia. area consisted the control (0.51 ha), containing ~35 m 3 ha -1 CWHR harvest (2.47 ≤12 CWHR. had been harvested with harvester – forwarder system, which left all (HR) onsite, where-as feller-buncher skidder processor system removed most HR. latter simulate an where harvested. examined productivities costs machines performing each area. excavator that windrowed CWHR, fol-lowed by skidder-mounted plough constructing planting furrows. Residual post-windrowing <1 . Productivities were 0.53 PMH 0 AUD$319 1.1 AUD$139 plough. not required this area, productivity 1.16 AUD$109 suggesting reduction could reduce Further on revenues associated removal sale are determine net range quantities.