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Descripción
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| Report of the COST Action FP 1301 "Eurocoppice". As conclusive remarks, "Mechanization is a possible solution to make coppice management a modern industrial business and not only a parttime activity. Modern harvesting systems, of different scales, can compensate for the difficulty in acquiring sufficient rural labor and maintaining young workers in the forestry sector. It is important to select or, in some cases, further develop the right felling technology to guarantee the rejuvenation of the coppiced stands. Stump crowding and small stem size can be considered common elements with impact on operational choices in many coppiced stands. The presence of multiple stems on the same stump offer a serious challenge to mechanized fellingin coppice harvesting operations, because stem crowding hinders felling head movements. Small stem size affects the type of products one can obtain from coppice stands, while limiting work productivity. An effective introduction of mechanized felling requires the selection of a suitable machine but also a skilled and profesional operator who can prevent or minimize undesired effects, such as soil, stump and stand damage. It is also necessary to promote a certain level of mechanization to improve safety. Manual work is associated with the highest accident risk and severity, and it accounts for most of the fatal accidents recorded in forest operations. Silvicultural practices may need to be adapted to new harvesting technology and to favor, whenever possible, proper removals and the use of machines. In many cases coppice forests are situated in difficult terrain with poor access. The improvement and adaptation of the existing infrastructure (road density and quality) to the requirements of mechanized operations is one important prerequisite for successful mechanization. Although much progress has already been made, the introduction of mechanized operations still encounters resistance. Better knowledge about the techniques of mechanized harvesting in coppice forests is required. International initiatives such as the COST Action FP1301 EuroCoppice may help to bridge gaps in such areas. Rural development policies should encourage coppice management in order to promote the diversification of rural activities. It is important to continue the regular utilization of coppice in order to preserve it as a system of forestry. This utilization will promote ecological, protection and aesthetic functions of coppice forests and also should guarantee income to owners, loggers and rural communities. | |
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Internacional
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Si |
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Entidad
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COST/Eva Maier Stihl-Stiftung/UniFreiburg |
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Lugar
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Freiburg (Alemania) |
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Páginas
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28 |
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Referencia/URL
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https://www.eurocoppice.uni-freiburg.de/intern/pdf/deliverables/eurocoppice-wg3-guidelines-final-2017-10-13-small-online.pdf |
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Tipo de publicación
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COST Acton Report |