Numerical examination of the optimal bucking method to maximize profits applied in Nasu town, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
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
References
- Akaguma, E., Aruga, K., Okuyama, T. 2017. Analysis on economic balances of clear cutting and regeneration operations in the northern area of Tochigi prefecture. Bulletin of Utsunomiya University Forest, 53: 69-77.
- Akay, A.E. 2009. The effects of Forest Harvesting Techniques on Optimum Bucking Application of Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis) Stands in Turkey. Austrian Journal of Forest Science, 127(1):25-36.
- Akay, A.E., Sessions, J., Serin, H., Pak, M., Yenilmez, N. 2010. Applying optimum bucking method in producing Taurus Fir (Abies cilicica) logs in Mediterranean region of Turkey. Baltic Forestry,16: 273-279.
- Akay, A.E., Serin, H., Pak, M. 2015. How stem defects affect the capability of optimum bucking method? Journal of the Faculty of Forestry Istanbul University, 65(2):38-45.
- Akay, A.E. 2017. Potential contribution of optimum bucking method to forest products industry. European Journal of Forest Engineering, 3: 61-65.
- ANRE, 2017. Japan’s energy. http://www.enecho.meti. go.jp/en/category/brochures (Accessed: 4 January 2019).
- Aruga, K., Murakami, A., Nakahata, C., Yamaguchi, R., Yoshioka, T. 2011. Discussion on economic and energy balances of forest biomass utilization for small-scale power generation in Kanuma, Tochigi prefecture, Japan. Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering, 32: 571-586.
- Aruga, K., Hiyamizu, G., Nakahata, C., Saito, M. 2013. Effects of aggregating forests, establishing forest road networks, and mechanization on operational efficiency and costs in a mountainous region in Japan. Journal of Forestry Research, 24: 747-754.
- Aruga, K., Murakami, A., Nakahata, C., Yamaguchi, R., Saito, M., Yoshioka, T. 2014. Estimating annual available amounts of forest biomass resources with total revenues and costs during the 60-year rotation in a mountainous region in Japan. Croatian Journal of Forest Engineering, 35: 125-138.
- Aruga, K., Liu, C., Uemura, R., Furusawa, T. 2016 Economic balance of a clearcutting operation using terrestrial LiDAR. European Journal of Forest Engineering, 2: 1-10.
