Field factory for the automated harvesting of forestry tree stock

Radiata pine is the most widely grown plantation forestry species in New Zealand and is a major contributor to its economy. Most forestry tree stock is grown outdoors in prepared nursery beds. Tree stock is harvested and sorted manually in winter and on-sold to forestry companies. Harvesting consists of lifting tree stock from the ground, removing the soil from the roots, root trimming, and sorting according to a grading criteria. Harvesting needs to be automated to reduce cost, health and safety issues, and damage to tree stock. This article presents an approach to mechanise these sub-processes and integrate them into a field factory to establish an automated harvesting line where tree stock is boxed in the field. A prototype is implemented and tested at a nursery under real conditions in winter. It shows that it is feasible to increase productivity with a field factory capable of harvesting and sorting forestry tree stock in the field.(c) 2023 IAgrE. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Radiata pine is the most widely grown plantation forestry species in New Zealand and plays a significant role in the country's economy. This article proposes an automated harvesting system to reduce costs, improve safety, and minimize tree stock damage. The system, implemented and tested in winter under real conditions, demonstrates the feasibility of increasing productivity by using a field factory for harvesting and sorting forestry tree stock.