Field factory for the automated harvesting of forestry tree stock. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGuinness, Benjamin J.; Duke, Mike D.; Au, Kit C.; Lim, Hin S.
• Is Part Of: Biosystems engineering. Volume 227(2023)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Harvesting -- Seedlings -- Automation -- Radiata pine; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Agricultural engineering -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Génie rural -- Périodiques; Systèmes biologiques -- Périodiques; 631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2023.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-5110

Abstract

Abstract : 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. Highlights: The concept of a field factory for mechanising in-field tasks. Mechanisms for lifting and sorting of bare root forestry tree stock. Evaluation of a prototype field factory in real world conditions. Improvements to cost, quality, and health and safety are possible.