Establishment and maintenance operations

 

Summary

This programme covers a range of manual and mechanised establishment operations including ground preparation, drainage, planting, protection and  weeding. Projects include:

• Production of Technical Note giving guidance on excavator mounding techniques
• Production of Technical Note giving results of research into effects of brash management during harvesting on efficacy of establishment
• Large scale scarification
• Direct seeding of birch
• Drainage specifications and techniques – a review
• Review of mechanised planting
• Investigation of pesticide issues, including nozzles, stores, internal and external applicator cleaning,  safety and ergonomics and tractor mounted systems
• Investigate the use of reed beds to filter machine washing effluent.

Research objectives

Each project has specific and detailed  objectives. As an overview:

• Investigate the conditions forwarder based scarifiers can effectively operate in, describe outputs and costs and determine if it is appropriate to use  scarifiers more extensively
• Identify operational performance criteria to directly seed an area with native birch with appropriate protection and monitor the success of germination and establishment
• Review drainage policies and operational practices with reference to the latest guidelines
• Monitor developments in mechanised planting systems and detail operational performance and costs
• Investigate pesticide issues to maximise performance and operator health and safety whilst minimising environmental impact
• Investigate the potential use of reed beds in the treatment of run-off from washdown of mechanised spraying equipment.

Funders and partners

This research is funded primarily by the Forestry Commission Machinery and methods programme.

Forestry Commission policy

One objective of the Forestry Commission is to support the Government's policy of sustainable forest management. This includes enhancing the economic value of forests and woodland resources, minimising the effects of operations on the environment and the protection of the health and safety of the workforce.

Appropriate ground preparation, drainage and protection are important elements in the creation of woodlands enabling sustainable management to be achieved through the best silvicultural practices.

Publications

•  Planning controlled burning operations in forestry ^(PDF-1504K)
•  Forest and moorland fire suppression ^(PDF-2830K)
•  Respiratory protective equipment ^(PDF-892K)
•  Excavator mound spacing on restocking sites ^(PDF-3073K)

Information is also available on the following subjects:

• Pesticide equipment
• Ground preparation systems

Status

• All projects will be completed within financial year 2004/2005
• Monitoring work on the direct seeding trial will continue until establishment status has been determined
• For some projects the results of research will be made available in Technical Notes during 2005/2006.

Contacts

Ground preparation: Steve Morgan
Pesticide use: Bill J Jones

Forest Research
Technical Development
Ae Village
Dumfries
Scotland DG1 1QB

Tel: 01387 860264
Fax: 01387 860386
Email: tdb.ae@forestry.gsi.gov.uk