Planning Optimum Logging Operations through Precision Forestry Approaches

Yıl 2015, Cilt: 1 Sayı: 2, 56 - 60, 31.12.2015

Neşe Gülci , Abdullah E. Akay , Orhan Erdaş Michael Wing , John Session

Öz

In
this study, it was aimed to determine optimum logging operations by using
Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques as one of the effective tools
of a precision forestry approach. In the first stage of the application
process, a high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area was
produced by using Real Time Kinematic GPS in the field. Then, the DEM was used
to classify the area into slope classes specified by the International Union of
Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). A map for the optimum logging operations
was generated for two scenarios (i.e. maximum productivity and minimum residual
stand damage) considering current terrain conditions. Four different logging
methods were evaluated: ground skidding logs using a portable winch integrated
with skidding cone, winching logs by using a farm tractor, downhill sliding of
logs by chute system with gravity, and controlled sliding of logs downhill by
chute system integrated with portable winch. During the assessment of logging
methods, the results from the previous empirical studies conducted in similar
stand characteristics and topographical conditions were used. For both
scenarios, results indicated that skidding by portable winch integrated with
skidding cone was the optimum logging method for more than half of the study
area, followed by downhill sliding by chute system and controlled sliding by
chute system integrated with portable winch.    

Anahtar Kelimeler

Logging operations, Precision forestry, GIS, RTK-GPS

Kaynakça

• Uusitalo, J. 2010. Introduction to Forest Operations and Technology. JVP Forest Systems. 287 p.
• Taylor, S., Veal, M., Grift, T., Mcdonald, T., Corley, F., 2002. Precision Forestry: Operational tactics for today and tomorrow. 25th Annual Meeting of the Council of Forest Engineers. 16-20 June. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
• Sert, M., 2014. Productivity and Ecological Evaluation of Mobile Winch System used in Logging Operations in Mountainous Regions. Master thesis, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Forestry, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. 82 p.
• Seablom, T.J. and Reed, D.D., 2005. Assessment of factors contributing to residual tree damage from mechanized harvesting in northern hardwoods. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, 22(2):124-131.
• Gulci, N., Akay, A.E., Erdas, O., Gulci, S., 2015. Forest operations planning by using RTK-GPS based digital elevation model. Journal of the Faculty of Forestry Istanbul University. 65(2): 59-68.
• Gulci, N. 2014. Researches on precision forestry in forest planning. Phd thesis, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Forestry, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. 264 p.
• Eroglu, H., 2012. Effects of different logging techniques on forest soil compaction at mountainous terrain. Artvin Coruh University Journal of Forestry Faculty. 13(2):213-225.
• Cankal, H., 2014. Productivity and Environmental Evaluation of Chute System used in Log Production. Master thesis, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Faculty of Forestry, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. 39 p.
• Akay, A.E., Sert, M., Gulci, N. 2014. Evaluating Productivity of Mobile Winch System Used in Logging Operation on Gentle Ground Slope. II. Mediterranean Forest and Environment Symposium. 22-24 October, Isparta, Turkey.
• Akay, A.E., Yuksel, A., Reis, M., Tutus, A., 2007. The Impacts of Ground-based Logging Equipment on Forest Soil. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. 16 (3): 371-376.
• Akay, A.E., Yilmaz, M. Tonguc, F., 2006. Impact of Mechanized Harvesting Machines on Forest Ecosystem: Residual Stand Damage. Journal of Applied Sciences, 6: 2414-2419.
• Akay, A.E. and Sessions, J., 2004. Identifying the factors influencing the cost of mechanized harvesting equipment. Journal of Science and Engineering, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, 7(2):65-72.