Distribution, characteristics and potential of biomass-dense thinning forests in Sweden

Fernandez-Lacruz, R., Di Fulvio, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7317-6360, Athanassiadis, D., Bergstroem, D., & Nordfjell, T. (2015). Distribution, characteristics and potential of biomass-dense thinning forests in Sweden. Silva Fennica 49 (5) art. id 1377. 10.14214/sf.1377.

[thumbnail of article1377.pdf]
Preview
Text
article1377.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Understanding the characteristics of unutilized biomass resources, such as small-diameter trees from biomass-dense thinning forests (BDTF) (non-commercially-thinned forests), can provide important information for developing a bio-based economy. The aim of this study was to describe the areal distribution, characteristics (biomass of growing stock, tree height, etc.) and harvesting potential of BDTF in Sweden. A national forest inventory plot dataset was imported into a geographical information system and plots containing BDTF were selected by applying increasingly stringent constraints. Results show that, depending on the constraints applied, BDTF covers 9-44% (2.1-9.8 M ha) of the productive forest land area, and contains 7-34% of the total growing stock (119-564 M OD t), with an average biomass density of 57 OD t ha^-1. Of the total BDTF area, 65% is located in northern Sweden and 2% corresponds to set-aside farmlands. Comparisons with a study from 2008 indicate that BDTF area has increased by at least 4% (about 102 000 ha), in line with general trends for Sweden and Europe. Analyses revealed that the technical harvesting potential of delimbed stemwood (over bark, including tops) from BDTF ranges from 3.0 to 6.1 M OD t yr^-1 (7.5 to 15.1 M m^3 yr^-1), while the potential of whole-tree harvesting ranges from 4.3 to 8.7 M OD t yr^-1 (10.2 to 20.6 M m3 yr^-1) depending on the scenario considered. However, further technological developments of the harvest and supply systems are needed to utilize the full potential of BDTF.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: early thinning; small-tree harvesting; unthinned stand; GIS; wood fuel; bioenergy; biomaterial
Research Programs: Ecosystems Services and Management (ESM)
Bibliographic Reference: Silva Fennica; 49(5):1377 [2015]
Depositing User: IIASA Import
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2016 08:52
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:24
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/11342

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item