Mechanization of the operational aspects of short-rotation forestry

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recognized the importance of the proper use of current technologies in researching the concept of biomass as a renewable energy source. An early program included one project that dealt entirely with the mechanization of harvesting trees grown under short-rotation intensive culture (SRIC) forestry. The Bioenergy Agreement that ended 31 December 1988 expanded this involvement with mechanization by creating a separate Activity called ‘Production Technology’. This Activity investigated the current state of technology for establishing, managing and harvesting SRIC forests or plantations. Five countries participated: Canada, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and the US. Several workshops were held, and a final joint project evolved. As the final effort, a ‘Sourcebook’ of Production Technology will be made available. A summary of the main findings is provided here. This document will be published by the IEA and updated in future years as needed.