Utilization of red alder in the Pacific Northwest
In western Oregon and Washington, red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) predominantly associates with Douglas-fir and western hemlock whose growth is often accelerated by eliminating competing broad-leafed species with herbicides. Spraying programs, however, are under increasing criticism. Because red alder efficiently produces and distributes photosynthate for nitrogen fixation and wood growth, thus increasing productivity of nitrogen-deficient sites, its increased utilization is being considered. Washington and Oregon coastal stands cover slightly more than three million acres of commercial forest land. Net annual growth of saw timber averages around 170 board feet per acre. Tree growth exceeds log utilization, partly because logging costs for small logs are relatively high. Primary industries annually convert about 260 million board feet of logs into lumber, veneer, pulp chips, fuel and bark products. Red alder is easily turned, planed, glued, and stained. The Northwest Hardwood association has developed workable grades for lumber to assure quality. Secondry industries convert the lumber into furniture, cabinets, case goods, pallets, novelties, pulp, and minor products. The value added by manufacturers of solid wood products alone is approximately $1,186 per thousand board feet. Red alder is also being coverted to pulp by the kraft, acid sulfite, Permochem, and kraft green-liquor processes. As a fuel, alder is now used mainly in domestic fireplaces and in mills converting residues to heat, but energy plantations are being considered. Estimates of potential biomass vary from 1.3 to 33.2 ovendried tons per acre, depending on site, but a good estimate of production is 6.7 tons per acre annually. Expansion of the industry appears possible, especially in the area of furniture and cabinet manufacture.
- Research Organization:
- Dept of Forest Products, School of Forestry, Oregon State Univ, Corvallis, Oregon
- OSTI ID:
- 6566615
- Journal Information:
- For. Prod. J.; (United States), Vol. 30:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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OREGON
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