The Energy Input in Norwegian Forestry

Abstract The purpose of this article is to determine the energy input per m³ in Norwegian forestry in the years 1948/49 and 1978/79 and to find operational methods that require little energy. The energy for production of 1 unit of each of the means of production in forestry has been computed. For food, fodder and clothes, only the increase of energy use in forest work has been taken into account. For all the other means of production, the total consumption for each operation in forestry has been taken into account. The energy input has been computed on that base. The energy input has declined from 105 kWh/m³ i.b. (inside bark) in 1948/49 to 96 kWh/m³ i.b. in 1978/79. The long distance transport required about 55 percent of the energy in both periods. Felling with chain saw required 5.8 kWh/m³ i.b., felling with handtools 18 kWh/m³ i.b., and felling with tree processors 38 kWh/m³ i.b. Tree-length terrain transport with agricultural tractors required 19.4 kWh/m³ km i.b., forwarders 53.9 kWh/m³ km i.b., and cable crane 139.4 kWh/m³ km i.b. Long distance transport with railroad in 1978/79 required 0.23 kWh/m³ km i.b., and trucks in 1978/79 required 0.73 kWh/m³ km i.b. Forest Sci. 29:300-304.