To split or not to split: Feasibility of pre-storage splitting of large poplar (Populus spp. L.) fuelwood logs

Erber, Gernot; Huber, Christoph; Stampfer, Karl

doi:10.1016/j.fuel.2018.02.029

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Similar results were obtained with round timber in different European areas and with different tree species (Röser et al, 2011). However, climatic conditions might affect the drying process despite the same wood species, storage method (Erber et al, 2018), exposition (Erber et al, 2017), pole dimension (Erber et al, 2014), and harvesting time (Nord‐Larsen et al, 2011). The option of introducing a two‐row VBS, and implementing the practice of expediting the wood seasoning by a suitable covering, can lead to the production costs being met (profit of €16 yr −1 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

et al. 2019

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Vegetated buffer strips (VBS) are recognized as a cost-effective way to reduce agricultural nonpoint-source pollution. In agroecosystems with high field fragmentation, only narrow VBS that partially compromise farmers' revenue are accepted. This study aimed to identify some ecosystem services as provided by VBS in terms of soil and water quality, and VBS performance in terms of wood for energy purposes. Buffer strip design (3 vs. 6 m wide) and composition were considered to define best practices for wood use at the farm level and for the local firewood market. Results showed that yearly wood pole production was 0.5 t 100 m −1 , on average, ranging between a minimum of 0.22 t 100 m −1 and a maximum of 0.72 t 100 m −1 per row. Wood production had negligible effects on farmers' revenue. By contrast, water quality was enhanced, especially with 6-m-wide VBS. Specific subsidies for the maintenance of VBS increased total income despite a reduction in crop production (−17.5% in 6-m VBS with two rows). Subsidies might be better quantified at a site-specific level by taking into account all ecosystem services that are provided by VBS. Promising solutions to increase farmers' income are related to the wood seasoning process for firewood production; reducing the moisture content to <25% before the start of the winter season increases its market value.Abbreviations: 3G, 3-m-wide buffer formed by grass only; 3G1R, 3-m-wide buffer with grass cover and a row of shrubs and trees; 6G1R, 6-m-wide buffer with grass and a row of shrubs and trees; 6G2R, 6-m-wide buffer with grass and two rows of shrubs and trees; RDP, Rural Development Programme; SOC, soil organic carbon; TSS, total suspended solids; VBS, vegetated buffer strip(s).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

et al. 2019

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“…Under the weather conditions typical in Germany for the period February to October, moisture contents of 37% to 44% were determined in a number of different trials for the storage of whole poplar trees from short-rotation coppices (storage period six to nine months) [32,38,39]. In 2018 Erber et al [40] determined very similar results in Austria for storage and drying trials with poplar (39% moisture content, 8% dry matter loss after a six-month storage period). If the whole trees or logs are stored in open-air piles through into the autumn months, they can be remoisturized again in the autumn.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Options for Optimizing the Drying Process and Reducing Dry Matter Losses in Whole-Tree Storage of Poplar from Short-Rotation Coppices in Germany

Pecenka

Lenz

Hering

2020

Forests

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For sustainable production of wood in short-rotation coppices and agroforestry systems, it is necessary to optimize the storage processes to achieve low dry matter losses together with low-cost drying. The harvesting of the trees can be carried out very efficiently with modified forage harvesters or tractor-powered mower-chippers. The wood chips produced can be dried naturally at low cost in open-air piles. However, this type of storage is connected with high dry matter losses of up to about one fourth in the course of seven-month storage. Although harvesting whole trees is connected with significantly higher costs, lower dry matter losses are to be expected from storing the trees in piles. Consequently, in this study, the storage and drying behavior of poplar under different German weather conditions and depending on the structure of the storage piles has been examined in detail. After a seven-months storage period, the trees still displayed moisture contents of 41–44% following an initial moisture content of 56% but achieved very low dry matter losses of only 4–7%. Moisture contents of 35–39% could only be achieved in October after a further two-months drying period under favorable weather conditions. All storage piles were built up on approximately 30 cm high support timbers for better ventilation. Additionally, covering the ground with a fleece did not have any influence on the drying behavior, nor did different pile heights. Smaller tree trunk diameters are not only connected with a higher share of bark or ash, but also thinner trunks tend to become damp again more quickly after rainfall. That is why whole-tree storage is suitable above all for medium or longer rotation periods with which, under favorable conditions, the higher harvesting costs can be compensated by a higher wood chip quality and lower storage losses.

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“…As observed by other studies (Tomczak et al 2020, Erber et al 2018, the effective method of wood drying is cutting it into logs (preferably short logs) and storing them in piles. It is essential to highlight that the storage time to reach the desired moisture content can be affected by log woodpile arrangement, wood characteristics of each species, and local weather conditions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Impact of Rainy and Dry Seasons on Eucalypt Fuelwood Quality Logs Stored in Piles

Eufrade-Junior

Spadim

Rodriguês

et al. 2021

Croat. j. for. eng. (Online)

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The use of sugarcane bagasse, straw, and chaff for electrical power generation in sugar-ethanol mills has been established; more recently, the recovery of forest biomass has been increasing in an attempt to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to increase electrical power generation focused on self-consumption. The potential for power generation in this segment is considerable, but the use of biomass in cogeneration processes depends on an attractive return on investments. This study was designed to analyze the economic feasibility of investment in thermal and electrical power generation equipment that makes it possible to use forest and logging residues and wood chips to replace the current gas-fired power generation in an engineered wood panel industry facility (Scenario 1) or investment only in thermal generation equipment (Scenario 2). Results showed that the investment to replace natural gas with forest biomass is economically viable not only for the generation of both types of energy but also for the generation of thermal energy itself. High costs of energy inputs such as natural gas and electricity for the industry explain the results, despite the requirement for high investments in cogeneration systems.

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To split or not to split: Feasibility of pre-storage splitting of large poplar (Populus spp. L.) fuelwood logs

Cited by 10 publications

References 16 publications

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

Options for Optimizing the Drying Process and Reducing Dry Matter Losses in Whole-Tree Storage of Poplar from Short-Rotation Coppices in Germany

Impact of Rainy and Dry Seasons on Eucalypt Fuelwood Quality Logs Stored in Piles

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