Selecting the efficient harvesting method using multiple-criteria analysis: A case study in south-west Western Australia

Different factors can impact on the timber harvesting methods including stand characteristics, ground conditions, extraction distance, climate, silvicultural treatments and social interests. The multiple-criteria analysis is an effective methodology for helping foresters decide what system to apply depending on their operations specifications. Four harvesting methods were compared in Western Australian Eucalypt plantations including cut-to-length (CTL), in-field chipping using a delimbing and debarking flail integrated with the chipper (IFC-DDC), in-field chipping using a chipper with a separate flail machine for delimbing and debarking (IFC-F/C) and whole tree to roadside (WTR). The decision criterions consisted of total operating cost (from stand to mill gate), yield per ha, harvesting residues, fuel consumption and bark content of the chips. The Promethee method was used to evaluate the alternatives using Decision Lab software. Based on the results, the IFC-DCC was the best harvest method while WTR method was the worst harvesting alternative in the case study area. IFC-DCC method resulted in the lowest operating cost and the highest recovered yield per ha compared to the other harvesting methods.