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

• Published in: Silva Fennica
• Main Authors: Fernandez-Lacruz, Raul, Di Fulvio, Fulvio, Athanassiadis, Dimitris, Bergström, Dan, Nordfjell, Tomas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Finnish Society of Forest Science 2015
• Subjects: Forestry; SD1-669.5; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.1377; https://doaj.org/article/1006d15f00524670b4aef429c5e31650

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 9â44% (2.1â9.8 M ha) of the productive forest land area, and contains 7â34% of the total growing stock (119â564 M OD t), with an average biomass density of 57 OD t ha. 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 102â000 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 (7.5 to 15.1 M myr), while the potential of whole-tree harvesting ranges from 4.3 to 8.7 M OD t yr (10.2 to 20.6 M myr) depending on the scenario considered. However, further technological developments of the harvest and supply systems are needed to utilize the full potential of BDTF.â1â13 â1â13 â1