Short-rotation cold-climate eucalypt forestry for solid timber production: Prospects and Possibilities

Authors: Dean Satchell, James A. Turner
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2010, Issue N.Z.J.For. 55(2) 2010, pp 28-31, Aug 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Future Forests Research Ltd., in collaboration with the NZ Farm Forestry Association, has undertaken a study delving into the economics of plantation eucalypt forestry, based on sawn timber recoveries from smaller-diameter logs using a novel sawmilling technique and a woodmizer portable sawmill. A summary of this study is presented below. The Problem Despite strong consumer demand for imported hardwood timber, eucalypt forestry has never reached a sufficient volume threshold necessary to establish specialised processing facilities and firm markets in New Zealand. Sawing logs below 40 cm small end diameter (SED) has traditionally been difficult primarily because of growth stresses. Seasoning of cold-climate eucalypt timber is also problematic, and issues such as collapse, surface and internal checking, cupping, distortion and high shrinkage can significantly lower product recovery and value. Despite these grade-limiting defects, when correctly sawn and seasoned, eucalypt timber can have an attractive appearance, along with high strength and stiffness.

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