Estimating benefits from whole-tree chipping as a logging innovation in Northern US forests

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · For. Prod. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5347982

Herrick, O W

Two supply schedules were estimated for pulpwood production quantities and prices - with and without adoption of whole-tree chipping technology. One schedule reflects output of hardwood pulpwood (including whole-tree chips) harvested in the Northeast during 1979. The other shows what would have resulted if this pulpwood had been harvested with the mix of production methods that existed 5 years earlier. Comparing these supply schedules indicates the importance of whole-tree chipping in hardwood pulpwood production since 1974. On average, substituting chipping technology for conventional hardwood pulpwood harvesting increased annual production by two and a half times and reduced cost by $6.45 per cord-equivalent delivered as chips. Measuring the downward shift of the industry's supply function illustrates a procedure for estimating benefits of research and subsequent adoption of technology. Whole-tree chipping in 1979 created benefits equal to a 2% cost reduction spread across the entire hardwood pulpwood supply system. (Refs. 5).

• Research Organization: NEFES, USDA Forest Service, Broomall, PA 19008, USA
• OSTI ID: 5347982
• Journal Information: For. Prod. J.; (United States), Journal Name: For. Prod. J.; (United States) Vol. 32:11/12; ISSN FPJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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