48,676 research outputs found

    Basic mathematical programming applications to weed control in forestry

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    Many studies document herbicide performance for Heed and hardwood control in forestry. Few studies, hoHever, attemp t to develop optima l application strategies. Stand-level optindzation is presently limited due to lack of groHth and yield information. Forest-level optimization is possible, however, and has great potential to aid in planning forestry weed control prog rams

    Stochastic Dominance Portfolio Analysis of Forestry Assets

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    We consider the forestry decision-making and harvesting problem from the perspective of financial portfolio management, where harvestable forest stands constitute one of the liquid assets of the portfolio. Using real data from Finnish mixed borealis forests and from the Helsinki stock exchange, we investigate the effect of trading the timber stock together with the forest land, or without the land (i.e., harvesting), on the portfolio efficiency. As our research methodology, we utilize the general Stochastic Dominance (SD) criteria, focusing on the recent theoretical advances in analyzing portfolio diversification within the SD framework. Our findings shed some further light on the question of how to model the forestry planning problem, and provide some comparative evidence of the applicability of the alternative SD test approaches.Forest Management, Portfolio Optimization, Stochastic Dominance, Diversification

    Economics of size-structured forestry with carbon storage

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    We study the economics of carbon storage using a model that includes forest size structure and determines the choice between rotation forestry and continuous cover forestry. Optimal harvests may rely solely on thinning, implying infinite rotation and continuous cover forestry, or both thinning and clearcuts, implying finite rotation periods. Given several carbon prices and interest rates, we optimize the timing and intensity of thinnings along with the choice of management regime. In addition to the carbon storage in living trees, we include the carbon dynamics of dead trees and timber products. Forest growth is specified by an empirically validated transition matrix model for Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). The optimization problem is solved in its general dynamic form by applying bilevel optimization with gradient-based interior point methods and a genetic algorithm. Carbon pricing postpones thinnings, increases stand density by directing harvests to larger trees, and typically yields a regime shift from rotation forestry to continuous cover forestry. In continuous cover solutions, the steady-state harvesting interval and the diameter distribution of standing and harvested trees are sensitive to carbon price, implying that carbon pricing increases the sawlog ratio of timber yields. Additionally, we obtain relatively inexpensive stand-level marginal costs of carbon storage.Peer reviewe

    A case for heuristic optimization methods in forestry

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    With rising competition for scarce resources, forest managers are increasingly concerned with estimating optimal solutions to complex problems. Heuristic procedures are often useful in solving such problems

    An integrated MCDA software application for forest planning : a case study in southwestern Sweden

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    Forest planning in Sweden today translates not only into planning of timber production, but also for the provision of other functions and services. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods provide a way to take also non-monetary values into account in planning. The purpose of this study was to gain experience on how to use a forest decision support system combined with an MCDA tool in practical forestry. We used a new forest planning tool, PlanWise, which includes an integrated MCDA module, PlanEval. Using the software, the decision maker can compare different forest plans and evaluate them against his/her objectives in a structured and analytical manner. The analysis thus provides a ranking of the alternatives based on the individual preferences of the decision maker. PlanEval and the MCDA planning process are described in a case study, where the manager of a forest estate in southwestern Sweden used the program to compare different forest plans made for the estate. In the paper, we analyze possibilities and challenges of this approach and identify problems such as the adherence to formal requirements of MCDA techniques and the difficulty of comparing maps. Possibilities to expedite an MCDA planning process further are also discussed. The findings confirm that integration of an MCDA tool with a forest decision support system is valuable, but requires expert assistance to be successful

    Low Emissions Energy Development for Global Climate Change Mitigation

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    This paper study on the potential of low-emission energy that can be developed in Indonesia, which comes from natural resources. This study is considered important as the attention of Indonesia to the increase in carbon emissions from energy and forestry sectors, as well as efforts to mitigate global climate change. Study of low-emission energy potential in this research are to: wind energy, energy mini / micro hydro, solar energy, geothermal energy, and biodiesel energy. Development of low emission energy has not reached the optimal point in the development of energy except the mini / micro hydro, and biodiesel. Development of low-emission energy in the future is expected to reach the target of national energy mix in 2025 through special policy and technology development

    Ekonomiskt optimalt skogsbruk

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    Studiens syfte är att undersöka skillnader mellan ett ekonomiskt optimalt skogsbruk och dagens skogsbruk för enskilda skogsägare i Sverige. För att undersöka detta har data från Riksskogstaxeringens provytor och skogliga konsekvensanalyser från år 2015 använts. För att göra materialet mer hanterbart och för att minska risken för överoptimering har Riksskogstaxeringens provytedata klustrats till färre behandlingsenheter. Klusterdata skapades för tre län som representerar olika skogliga förutsättningar: Västerbottens, Örebro och Kronobergs län. Studiens resultat visar att det finns betydande skillnad mellan ett ekonomiskt optimerat skogsbruk och en simulering av dagens skogsbruk, främst när det gäller ekonomi, avverkningsnivå, virkesförråd, gödslad areal och röjd areal. De största skillnaderna fanns i Västerbotten och minskar med breddgraderna. Vid höjd diskonteringsränta minskar optimeringens effekter mot dagens skogsbruk. Vidare visar resultatet att det framförallt är tidsmässiga anpassningen av skötselåtgärder som genererar de största effekterna på de ekonomiska värdena för enskilda skogsägare.This study aims to examine differences between an optimized forestry and today’s forestry for non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners in Sweden. The research questions were examined by using national forest inventory data and forest consequence analysis from 2015. In order to make the data more manageable and to reduce the risk of over optimization, clusters were created out of National forest inventory data into fewer treatment units. The clusters were made for three counties representing different forest prerequisites: Västerbottens län, Örebro län and Kronobergs län. The result show that there is a significant difference between an economic optimized forestry and a scenario representing today’s forestry when looking at the economic value, harvesting level, growing stock, fertilized area and cleaned area. The highest optimization effects were found in Västerbotten county and declined with the level of latitude. With a raised discount rate, the effect of optimization is reduced compared to today’s forestry. Moreover, indications were found supporting that the timing of forest management have the greatest effect on the economic values for the non-industrial private forest owners

    A model for regional analysis of carbon sequestration and timber production

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    The greenhouse effect is one of our most severe current environmental problems. Forests make up large ecosystems and can play an important role in mitigating the emissions of CO2, the most important greenhouse gas. Different management regimes affect the ability of forests to sequester carbon. It is important to investigate in what way we best can use forests to mitigate the greenhouse effect. It is also important to study what effect different actions, done to increase carbon sequestration, have on other offsets from forestry, such as the harvest level, the availability of forest biofuel and economic factors. In this study, we present an optimization model for analysis of carbon sequestration in forest biomass and forest products at a local or regional scale. The model consists of an optimizing stand-level simulator, and the solution is found using linear programming. Carbon sequestration was accounted for in terms of carbon price and its value computed as a function of carbon price and the net carbon storage in the forest. The same price was used as a cost for carbon emission originating from deterioration of wood products. We carried out a case study for a 3.2 million hectare boreal forest region in northern Sweden. The result showed that 1.48–2.05 million tonnes of carbon per year was sequestered in the area, depending on what carbon price was used. We conclude that assigning carbon storage a monetary value and removal of carbon in forest products as a cost, increases carbon sequestration in the forest and decreases harvest levels. The effect was largest in areas with low site-quality classes

    Abatement costs for agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus loads: a case study of crop farming in south-western Finland

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    Designing efficient agri-environmental policies for agricultural nutrient load reductions calls for information on the costs of emission reduction measures. This study develops an empirical framework for estimating abatement costs for nutrient loading from agricultural land. Nitrogen abatement costs and the phosphorus load reductions associated with nitrogen abatement are derived for crop farming in south-western Finland. The model is used to evaluate the effect of the Common Agricultural Policy reform currently underway on nutrient abatement costs. Results indicate that an efficiently designed policy aimed at a 50% reduction in agricultural nitrogen load would cost € 48 to € 35 million, or € 3756 to € 2752 per farm

    Economics of multifunctional forestry in the Sámi people homeland region

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    We study forestry in the Sámi people homeland to understand an ongoing conflict between conventional forestry and maintaining forests as reindeer pastures vital for indigenous Sámi livelihood. Conventional logging affects pastures by creating stand densities suboptimal to lichen growth and by decreasing old-growth forest areas, both of which are essential to reindeer survivability during the subarctic winter. Our model includes timber production, carbon sequestration, externalities on reindeer husbandry, and optimization between rotation forestry and forestry with continuous forest cover. We show that the profitability of conventional forestry relies on utilizing existing forests, an outcome we label as forest capital mining. By varying the carbon price between €0 and €60 per tCO2 and assuming a 3% interest rate, we show that continuous cover forestry, which better preserves pastures, is always optimal. A carbon price of €60 − €100 chokes off timber production. Given the present management practices and an oldgrowth forest as the initial state, the carbon choke price decreases to €14–€20. Our economic analysis on maintaining old-growth forest versus conversion to timber production is an alternative to the frequently applied approach based on carbon debts and carbon payback periods.Peer reviewe
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