Integrated Harvesting of Medium Rotation Hybrid Poplar Plantations: Systems Compared

In this study, the authors provide a direct comparison made between whole tree-harvesting (WTH) and cut-to length (CTL) methods, which was conducted in two sites Slovak Republic applied to poplar plantations. Both systems, WTH CTL, have been employed at highest mechanization level sites: “Nivky” “Skalica”. Two different strategies, namely, “mass handling” “small-scale mechanization”, used for respectively. The study results showed that of productivity (ODT SMH−1) felling operation almost double than CTL method Nivky (+84%) more Skalica (+113%). extraction under increase from one fifth (+20%) (104%) sites, Regarding cost-efficiency (EUR ODT−1), system offers similar trend except with respect (higher site), 4.5% less expensive extraction. show mass-handling technique deployed very good performance poorer plantations since small tree size low-growing stock challenge system. total (felling, bucking, extraction) costs ODT−1) recorded by commercial conditions (as contractors perform revenue purposes) were 32.50 45.80 EUR ODT−1 43.30 53.60 higher-yield site (Nivky) lower-yield (Skalica), System, researchers found drop efficiency (and consequent rise costs-per-ton product) depends largely on bucking phase using harvester landing stacked piles interlocked trees. main demonstrate promising strategy mass handling associated medium rotation coppice (MRC) harvesting shows is weaker phase. Future efforts must be ensure feasibility alongside entire workflow means finding suitable mobile machinery can delimb, debark, crosscut bunches instead single