摘要
This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the costs of different logging systems, in particular considering three different bunching-extraction methods. Moreover the stumpage value of each plot was calculated, and a comparison analysis of the results is presented. The work was carried out in Central Italy, in an aged Quercus cerris L. coppice in hill zones, with a 45% average slope. Short wood system harvesting was applied. Felling and processing were performed by chainsaw, while extraction with three different methods： plot No. 1 with mules, plot No. 2 with a tractor with winch, plot No. 3 with polyethylene chute line. Transport of firewood from the forest track to the landing was made by a tractor loaded as a mule. In the plot No. 1 the costs per unit mass （30.76 ∈·t33% ^-1） were higher despite having the lower cost per hour （39.99∈·th^- 1）. The reason was the lower productivity （1.3 t33%·h^-1）. The plot No. 2 had the highest cost per hour （66.79 ∈·h^-1）. However, productivity was the highest （2.7 t33%·h^- 1）. This aspect was notable from the financial point of view （24.74 ∈·t33%^-1）. Plot No. 3 was the less expensive （23.92 ∈·t33%^-1）. Comparing the three methods, a reduction of the costs through more appropriate extraction systems may increase the stumpage value from 8.3 to 9.65 ∈·t33%^- 1.
This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the costs of different logging systems, in particular considering three different bunching-extraction methods. Moreover the stumpage value of each plot was calculated, and a comparison analysis of the results is presented. The work was carried out in Central Italy, in an aged Quercus cerris L. coppice in hill zones, with a 45% average slope. Short wood system harvesting was applied. Felling and processing were performed by chainsaw, while extraction with three different methods： plot No. 1 with mules, plot No. 2 with a tractor with winch, plot No. 3 with polyethylene chute line. Transport of firewood from the forest track to the landing was made by a tractor loaded as a mule. In the plot No. 1 the costs per unit mass （30.76 ∈·t33% ^-1） were higher despite having the lower cost per hour （39.99∈·th^- 1）. The reason was the lower productivity （1.3 t33%·h^-1）. The plot No. 2 had the highest cost per hour （66.79 ∈·h^-1）. However, productivity was the highest （2.7 t33%·h^- 1）. This aspect was notable from the financial point of view （24.74 ∈·t33%^-1）. Plot No. 3 was the less expensive （23.92 ∈·t33%^-1）. Comparing the three methods, a reduction of the costs through more appropriate extraction systems may increase the stumpage value from 8.3 to 9.65 ∈·t33%^- 1.
