Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

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Abstract

The resource efficiency of the fire-mimicking conservation action of partial girdling (known as “katning” in Swedish) was studied for three methods; Mechanical (Harvester), Motor-manual (Chainsaw) and Manual (Axe) over three standardized girdling intensities. Time data was collected at Ekopark Skatan in Västerbotten, for different work elements. The time required for the “katning” work element decreased with increased mechanization and increased with increased girdling intensity. The difference between the methods decreased when standard hourly costs were used to translate the time required for girdling per tree into a cost per tree. The results showed that there was no significant difference in cost to girdle with a harvester or chainsaw, assuming the same level of intensity in execution.
Further research is needed as efficiency studies for conservation actions are rare. More studies on methods, girdling intensities, and times are of interest for resource efficiency. Above all, future studies need to focus on result effectiveness in terms of the girdling effects on wood chemistry, key structures, and ecology to combine resource efficiency and result effectiveness.