/Logging residue harvesting wattle Acacia.jpg)
This cost calculation tool allows accurate predictions of the costs for harvesting logging residue with different systems.The detailed tool was developed by Juha Laitila of the Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla), and is available on the AFO website. The costing tool makes provision for comparisons between three systems, namely:
- Loose logging residue harvesting with a forwarder
- Loose logging residue with a farm tractor
- Logging residue bundling, and then extracting with a forwarder
For each system there are three scenarios that affect harvesting costs and productivity:
- Extraction and delivery of fresh residues directly to the energy generation facility
- Drying of logging residues in the stand before bundling and extraction, and then transporting the residue to the energy generation facility immediately after extraction
- Seasoning of green residue on roadside before transport for combustion
Before using the internet based tool, a country is chosen. Information is then inserted for the stand characteristics. This includes the amount of biomass per hectare for different species, the felling area, extraction distances, distance to the mill, and other detailed information on factors such as moisture contents and storage times. The tool makes use of assumed values for some of the information unless the user inserts their own values.
Cost and productivity data is then inserted. The costs and productivity information for the different bundling, loose residue and residue chipping systems is included. Road transport costs for the different forms (loose, chipped and bundled) of biomass can also be calculated. The results are then neatly displayed in tables and graphs. Decisions can then be made on which system is most suitable. Source: http://www.afo.eu.com/default.asp?SivuID=27327