Hügelkultur as a debris management technique in forest fuel reduction treatments. Developing a research plan to evaluate the flammability of constructed debris piles (hugels)
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. This research design presents considerations for development of an experimental burn site, test methods, and data collection methods that can be applied in evaluating and comparing the flammability of hugels constructed with different fuel components and construction methods.
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. Flammability of piled debris (hugels) and the productivity of hugel construction are key considerations in assessing the viability of this debris disposal method.
Another consideration in assessing hügelkultur as a long-term debris management strategy is the decomposition of hugels and the evolving flammability of hugels. Research literature does not speak directly to the changing flammability of piled debris (and more specifically hugels), but this literature search attempts to locate material relevant to decomposition of woody debris in a hugelkultur environment.
Hügelkultur as a debris management technique in forest fuel reduction treatments. A comparative productivity evaluation of a fuel reduction treatment incorporating hugels
Disposal of woody debris and vegetative matter from forest fuel reduction treatments is a challenge and alternatives to conventional methods of pile burning and chipping are being considered. The construction of hugels is proposed as a debris management technique that would configure debris on site in a less flammable state. While flammability of piled debris (hugels) is a key consideration in the viability of this debris disposal method, the cost of the operation must also be considered.
This research design presents the development of test methods and data collection methods that can be applied in evaluating the productivity of a fuel reduction treatment that incorporates construction of hugels as a debris management tool. Comparative productivity trials will evaluate these productivity results in relation to fuel treatments that apply conventional debris disposal methods.
Oriented residue piles and constructed burn piles have different characteristics, including fuel size, composition, and fuel arrangement. The comparative ignition trials conducted in this proof-of-concept study suggest that these characteristics influence the fuel environment, with a higher potential for ignition and sustained burning and greater resultant fire intensity in constructed burn piles. The intent of this proof-of-concept trial was to determine whether logging residue piles that have been oriented for biomass extraction (placed in parallel piles by the processor operator during primary harvesting activities) is a significant fuel hazard that requires further abatement.
Recently, many forest companies, especially those located on the BC coast, have become interested in the possible danger that the runoff from log accumulations (log yards) may pose to the local flora and fauna and, ultimately, to humans. This info note attempts to put together practical information about how harmful runoff from log yards is created, how it can be prevented and give a brief overview of mitigation options. In creating this info note, a literature review was completed and a list of useful documents can be found near the end.
A study conducted by FPInnovations in 60-year-old experimental white spruce plantations measured the long-term effects of initial plant spacing on tree volume yield, wood physical and mechanical characteristics the physical and mechanical characteristics of the wood, as well as the quality and value of the sawmill products. quality and value of the sawmill products, for spacing of 1.8 m, 2.7 m and 3.6 m.
Abstract
Une étude réalisée par FPInnovations dans des plantations expérimentales d’épinettes blanches de 60 ans a permis de mesurer les effets à long terme de l’espacement initial des plants sur le rendement en volume des arbres, sur les caractéristiques physiques et mécaniques du bois ainsi que sur la qualité et la valeur des produits du sciage, et ce, pour des espacements de 1,8 m, 2,7 m et 3,6 m.
Two methods for producing hardwood logs were studied: semi-length to be bucked at the mill yard and clean logs cut at the stump. For a given tree, equal sawable material can be expected from the two The clean log method offers higher pulpwood recovery and does not leave any waste at the stump. The productivity of the clean log harvesting method was lower due to the fact that it was still a relatively new approach.
The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a project for Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to study the transportation of hog fuel from source to consumption site. In particular, FERIC gathered information from companies engaged in the supply, transportation, or use of hog fuel through direct visits or questionnaires. This report presents the types and costs of the various modes of transportation used—specifically truck, rail, and barge—and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
