Numerical examination of the optimal bucking method to maximize profits applied in Nasu town, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

Year 2019, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 1 - 10, 29.06.2019

Kazuhiro Aruga , Chikara Nakahata Masashi Saito

https://doi.org/10.33904/ejfe.508056

Cited By: 1

Abstract

In this
study, the optimal bucking methods were numerically applied to Nasu town, and
the factors of effects on profitability of commercial thinning operations and
feasibility of extracting small sized logs were discussed. As a result,
commercial thinning operations could be conducted on 18% (818 ha) and 54% (2427
ha) of 35 and 45 years old forests, respectively. On the other hand,
pre-commercial thinning operation would be conducted on 81% (3666 ha) and 46%
(2089 ha) of 35 and 45 years old forests. This shows current situation of
Japanese forestry where nearly all the thinning operations conducted were
pre-commercial. Stands with extracting small sized logs accounted for
approximately ten percent of the total forest area. Extracted small sized logs
from 35 years old forests were more than those from 45 years old forests
although saw logs from 35 years old forest were less than those from 45 years
old forests. The areas of stands with extracting small sized logs were
increased according to the more gentle slope and shorter forwarding distances.
Thus, it was clear that the reduction of forwarding distances by establishing
forest road networks were effective in order to increase stands with extracting
small sized logs.

Keywords

Extraction rate, Extracting thinned woods, Economic value, Optimal bucking, Small sized log

Thanks

We are grateful to the Nasu-machi Forest Owners’ Co-operative for their cooperation during the course of this research. This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grand Number 15H04508 and 16KK0168.

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