Analysis of short-rotation forests using the Argonne model for selecting economic strategy (MOSES)

Technical Report · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:6322640

Vyas, A D; Shen, S

The use of the Argonne Model for Selecting Economic Strategy (MOSES) for short-rotation forestry is demonstrated in this report. The model, which employs a complementarity algorithm for optimization, has a valuable capability to select the most economical harvesting cycle given data on biomass production costs, financial parameters, and the management system for a short-rotation forest. Argonne's economic analysis method for short-rotation forestry, of which MOSES is the central component, is outlined briefly. The model's output, combined with independent analysis of the effect of tree spacing on production costs and woody biomass yield, allows specification of least-cost production systems for short-rotation forestry. The results of analyses of three hypothetical forestry plantations are summarized here. These results, while obtained for species and growing conditions, support three general conclusions regarding short-rotation forestry. For conventional straight-row planting of trees at a 4 x 4 ft spacing, forage harvesting is more economical than whole-tree harvesting. Production costs for this planting strategy can be further reduced through use of an innovative circular saw harvester on which research is now being conducted. Short-rotation forestry costs can be minimized, however, by adopting a planting approach in which seedling cuttings are sown randomly and very densely and year-old saplings are forage harvested.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6322640
• Report Number(s): ANL/CNSV-36; ON: DE83008717
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
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BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
COST
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
FORESTS
HARVESTING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLANTS
POPLARS
SEEDLINGS
SHORT ROTATION CULTIVATION
SPECIFICATIONS
SYCAMORES
TREES