The forestry sector has come a long way from the sawmills. New technological developments in forestry have emerged as a result of improved data collection and better maintenance of ecosystems. Forest management has become a science that keeps up with the latest technological developments and increases efficiency and sustainability. Protected watercourses and tree stands are better studied and included in forest management plans. Other factors such as wildlife, soil, insects and diseases are closely monitored without the need for physical human intervention. Today’s forestry industry is one of those industries that has quickly and quietly adopted all the technological tools to effectively control the environment on which we all depend.
1. LiDaR
Source: interpine.nz
The detector and rangefinder, or LiDaR, is widely used in the forestry industry. The laser illuminates the target and the sensor measures the distance and maps the terrain. With the introduction of lasers, surveyors quickly belong to the past. Lidar helps forest management by studying the surface and structure of trees in detail. This saves many hours of work and mapping is faster and more accurate than ever before.
2. Floor sensors
Soil sensors have found their place in forest management by monitoring fertilization and drainage. There are thousands of them, and each of them is adapted to neglecting a certain type of country and giving feedback to managers to increase profitability. Instead of taking physical samples of the soil, sensors can now send data that can tell us exactly whether intervention is required.
3. Harmful organisms
Source: sciencemag.org.
Pests and diseases are the greatest enemies of plants. Catching the developing disease in time, while there is still a chance to save the tree or even the entire forest, was previously almost impossible. Drones, unmanned air vehicles have been here. UAVs can detect outbreaks with a reliability of up to 95%, which gives an excellent indication of the management and time needed to react adequately and possibly prevent the spread of parasites.
4. Forest fires
Fires can spread very quickly, making damage to ecosystems incalculable and threatening human lives. Satellite images of unmanned air vehicles can be used to detect fires while still under control and to coordinate with firefighters. Rapid response is essential to prevent major environmental disasters.
5. Water utilization systems
Source: forestknowledge.org.
Information systems that provide data on infrastructure, water levels and the prediction of potential future problems are an integral part of forestry. The ability to monitor and predict flow movements saves many plant and wildlife species. Each wetland is continuously monitored and any climate change posing potential risks to the ecosystem is addressed quickly and effectively. Technology can’t work alone. Collaboration between personnel and machines is essential for efficient management.
6. Mechanisation
Although the forestry sector is highly dependent on the latest technology, heavy equipment and mechanisation remain one of the pillars of the industry. Wherever possible and reasonable, modern machinery is used, depending on the terrain and the needs of the final product. Visit this website and discover the latest developments in heavy machinery that have greatly improved safety and productivity. Forestry activities are currently carried out using technological developments in each piece of equipment, which helps the forestry industry to better control the application of fertilisers, soil quality, drainage and the selection of plants ready for processing.
7. Genetics
Source: smithsonianmag.com
Scientists can extract DNA from trees to better control illegal logging. For decades, this problem was unsolvable for forestry because it was not possible to control every tree in every forest and know exactly where the treated wood came from. Thanks to new technology, we are now able to locate facilities and detect illegal activities.
In addition, plant genetics can be used by the forestry industry to determine whether certain trees and shrubs are best suited to the region. In recent decades reforestation has become an important genetic movement.
8. Kindergartens
These are no small horticultural companies where you can manually control humidity and temperature. Automated nurseries are huge, fully enclosed and controlled spaces where water consumption is significantly reduced, sometimes by as much as 80%. Ideal conditions allow trees and plants to reach their full potential with less time and water.
9. Wood supply
Source: pinterest.com
Remote loading is now possible thanks to a special technology that makes it possible to automatically load logs into the truck without them coming into direct contact with the truck. Remote controlled cranes reduce the risk of injury to workers and increase efficiency. The process can be controlled from the truck cabin, where the cabin is reinforced with steel to reduce the risk of fatal accidents, or entirely from the side cabins of the offices. What once seemed an impossible task can now be perfectly controlled by people and risks can be completely eliminated.
10. Logistics
Transport is one of the most expensive sectors of industry. This is particularly relevant in the forestry sector, as heavy special equipment is often used to supply unusual goods. Recently, many companies have implemented software that calculates the best routes and usually ships the trucks, minimizing transport costs. Unmanned vehicles are the ultimate goal of forest management, but while they are being tested with drivers still in the cab. However, their work consisted mainly of monitoring the load, the weather, the condition of the roads and the safety protocols.
The forestry industry has made great strides in the application and use of technology. Modern machines, sensors, drones and lasers have suddenly found their place here on Earth. Rapid improvements have increased safety and efficiency while reducing costs, making the final product more accessible to the general public. All this was done with the ecosystems in mind, to protect the trees, plants and animals of the forest from differences. So the technology has created a win-win situation for everyone. But don’t think this is the end. Digitisation in the forestry sector is in full swing and world leaders are working tirelessly to improve the natural environment and save lives.
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