Economic analysis method for short-rotation forestry

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6493155

Vyas, A D; Shen, S Y

A method for economic analysis of short-rotation forestry is presented; a model that employs linear complementarity optimization is an important component of this method. Given data on biomass production costs and methods for short-rotation forestry, the model selects the rotation period (i.e., harvesting cycle) that maximizes the net present value of all future profits for a specified rate of return. The ability to select the optimal rotation period is a unique feature of the model. 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 in the United States are summarized here. These results, while obtained for specific 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 (1.2 x 1.2 m) spacing, forage harvesting is more economical than whole-tree harvesting. Production costs for this planting strategy can be further reduced through an alternative harvesting technique that uses an innovative circular saw harvester now under development. Short-rotation forestry costs can be minimized, however, by adopting a planting approach in which seedling cuttings are sown as grass seeds are sown - randomly and very densely - and year-old samplings are forage harvested.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6493155
• Report Number(s): CONF-8208114-1; ON: DE83007568
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299003 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation-- Other-- (-1989)
BIOMASS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
COST
CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
FORESTRY
HARVESTING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PRODUCTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SHORT ROTATION CULTIVATION