Browsing by Author "Berguson, William E"
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Item Aspen Strip-Thinning Research Project: Expanded Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1991-10) Berguson, William E; Buchman, DanielItem Aspen Strip-Thinning Research Project: Summary Report(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1991-01) Berguson, William E; Buchman, DanielConcern has been expressed by timber land managers, forest products industry representatives and the public, regarding the potential of Minnesota's aspen lands to supply sufficient raw material to meet anticipated demand. One way to address these concerns is to increase growth rates of natural aspen stands. Thinning has been shown to increase aspen productivity. Past research on manually-thinned aspen stands has demonstrated that reducing stand density by removing a portion of trees can accelerate growth rates of trees that are ultimately harvested. The goal of this project is to provide a cost-effective means to increase aspen supplies for the future. Thinning stands by hand is expected to be too expensive to justify widespread use. This research investigated the potential to increase growth rates of aspen stands through mechanical strip-thinning.Item Aspen Supply in Minnesota 1977 to 2007(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1990-07) Gephart, John S; Tevik, John B; Adams, Roy D; Berguson, William EItem Comparison of hybrid poplar wood breakeven prices as affected by current and improved genetics(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2021-05) Lazarus, William F; Nelson, Neil D; Jackson, Jeffrey; Berguson, William E; McMahon, Bernard G; Buchman, Daniel; Cai, MeijunThe impact of improved genetics from the University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) hybrid poplar breeding program on breakeven hybrid poplar wood prices is discussed in this paper. After a review of previous economic analyses, the breakeven prices are presented that would cover costs other than land rent. Then, factors are provided for adjusting the price to reflect the land rental rate for a given location. The breakeven prices are presented both as stumpage and delivered to a mill. Breakeven delivered prices include the stumpage values plus conventional harvest and transportation costs to a hypothetical processing plant. Breakeven land rental rates are also provided at which poplar production would be profitable at recent aspen stumpage prices. The impact of improved genetics from the University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) hybrid poplar breeding program on breakeven hybrid poplar wood prices is discussed in this paper. After a review of previous economic analyses, the breakeven prices are presented that would cover costs other than land rent. Then, factors are provided for adjusting the price to reflect the land rental rate for a given location. The breakeven prices are presented both as stumpage and delivered to a mill. Breakeven delivered prices include the stumpage values plus conventional harvest and transportation costs to a hypothetical processing plant. Breakeven land rental rates are also provided at which poplar production would be profitable at recent aspen stumpage prices. The analysis is based on a scenario where a biorefinery/bioproducts company owns and/or leases the land, controls the harvest and transportation of the wood, and delivers the wood to their own mill. The evaluation is based on two hybrid poplar annual growth increments: 3.6 dry tons and 5.4 dry tons per acre per year with a 9-, 10-, or 12-year rotation. 3.6 dry tons per acre per year is yield potential with current genotypes. 5.4 tons per acre per year is yield potential with new Gen 1.0 elite clones from our breeding. Stumpage prices without land cost included are lower than aspen stumpage prices for both unimproved and improved clones. Other things being equal, the improved genetics could be capitalized into a $36.37-per-acre increase in the financially permissible rental rate. Carbon credit markets could further improve returns on hybrid poplar plantations.Item Considerations in the Management of Young Red Pine Stands: Implications to Growth, Yield and Economics(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2017-06-27) Berguson, William E; Buchman, DanielThere are a variety of ways to manage red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) ranging from intensive management of fully-stocked stands for the primary purpose of timber production to less intensive approaches aimed at increasing landscape diversity and wildlife habitat. A long history of field research in the Lake States exists with studies beginning in the early 1930s and continuing to the present time. The purpose of this document is to highlight the implications to management during the early years of the rotation building upon existing knowledge developed by the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota and provide additional information based on results of recent studies on stand productivity and mechanical thinning in younger stands in Minnesota done at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute. In addition to biological effects, information is provided to estimate site productivity, the expected age at first thinning and the effect of thinning method on harvest economics at first-thinning. While most of the research highlighted in this document is based on study sites in Minnesota, we expect that this information is applicable to other areas in the northcentral region of the United States. This document is organized in a sequential order following stages of stand development. This is done to highlight those points in time when decisions need to be made and to highlight effects of those decisions on stand production and timing of thinning operations. Also, our analyses rely heavily on the RP 2005 growth and management model developed by Buckman et.al. (2006) to show the effect of various management options on stand growth and the reader is encouraged to use this tool to understand various management options in red pine. This model can be downloaded at: http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/9031. In addition to the several management guides and other literature, the reader is encouraged to read the document by Buckman et.al. (2006) to gain a more thorough understanding of the interrelationships among stand density, early rotation management, growth rate and thinning options. The RP 2005 model attempts to bring these interrelationships together in a mathematical framework and, as such, is a powerful tool in understanding the growth and management of red pine at all ages.Item Evaluation of Land Suitability and Production Economics of Hybrid Poplar Phase I and II: Final Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1994-07) Berguson, William EThe purpose of this project is to assess the suitability of land to support hybrid poplar and cottonwood (poplar) plantations to produce wood for a 100 megawatt Whole Tree Energyrn facility. The land suitability project is divided into two phases with analyses increasing in specificity in successive phases. The objective of the first phase of the study was to conduct analyses of the soils resource and landowner characteristics within selected units on a multi-state scale. Information was gathered for Phase I on land and climate suitability and Conservation Reserve Program acreage in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, the extreme northwestern portion of Upper Michigan and northeastern Iowa. The purpose of Phase II studies was to summarize land rent and yield data. Cash flow models of the production system were then used to integrate land rent and yield estimates to evaluate wood production costs. Estimates of biomass production costs within the study units were made using various state and federal cost-share options.Item Granulated Peat for Targeted Industrial Applications (1994-03): Semi-Annual Progress Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1994-03) Hagen, Timothy S; Berguson, William E; Malterer, Thomas JObjective: To develop and commercialize an effective absorbent peat granule for use in removing metals and hydrocarbons from wastewater and as an industrial oil absorbent.Item Granulated Peat for Targeted Industrial Applications: Final Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1994-10) Hagen, Timothy S; Kastner, Jim, Jr; Berguson, William EObjective: To develop and commercialize an effective absorbent peat granule for use in removing metals and hydrocarbons from wastewater and as an industrial oil absorbent.Item Grower's Guide for Hybrid Poplar Plantations for Biomass Production(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2020-05) Buchman, Daniel; Jackson, Jeffrey; Berguson, William E; McMahon, Bernard G; Nelson, Neil D; DuPlissis, John; Host, George EThe goal of this Grower’s Guide is to provide practical advice for the establishment and maintenance of hybrid poplar plantations, plantings of trees in rows managed like an agronomic crop to produce fiber and biomass. Hybrid poplar are planted on several continents in a wide variety of applications: examples, in addition to biomass/wood production, include windbreaks, shelterbelts, phytoremediation, mine reclamation, and wastewater treatment. Advice for the establishment of hybrid poplar in these applications should come from other sources, as this guide is focused on growing hybrid poplar in plantation settings. Plantations could be owned by a private landowner or a corporation. Short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) show promise to fill specific niches in the world’s developing bioeconomy. These crops, such as eastern cottonwood, hybrid poplar, and hybrid willow, are receiving increasing interest as plantation crops to provide biomass for renewable energy such as combustion for combined heat and power – CHP, biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and bioproducts. Hybrid poplars have also been grown to produce wood for pulp and paper and oriented strand board (OSB) as well as veneer for plywood manufacturing. The selection of hybrid poplar, cottonwood, or willow depends on the region is which they will be grown and the end use.Item Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1991-May 31, 1992): Monitoring Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1992) Berguson, William EProgress on five major research tasks is highlighted including studies of the effects of stripthinning of aspen on growth and disease. Economic analyses and collection of cost data are also a part of this project. Recently-established field tests of strip-thinning show that stands respond relatively quickly to strip-thinning. Average growth rates increased by approximately 15 percent over unthinned stands in the two years following thinning. Measurement plots in these studies were permanently-monumented during the reporting period to allow relocation of plots after the project is completed. Studies done as part of Task II show that a significant relationship exists between the average tree size and stand density in the aspen stands in our experiment network. This relationship provides a practical means to quantify stand density relative to that of the average aspen stand and will be used in the formulation of management recommendations. These studies also showed a significant relationship between the average stocking density in our stands and the density inherent in the published normal yield table for aspen. This relationship provides a basis from which to project wood yields through time. In cooperation with Boise Cascade and Blandin Paper Company, Division of Lands and Forestry, plans are being made to develop a more accurate tool to assess site productivity for aspen. Measurements of previously-thinned stands on the Chippewa National Forest showed variation in the response to thinning. One stand has more than two times the merchantable volume in a thinned area compared to an unthinned area while the other shows little response to thinning. Disease analyses have included notation of disease and stand condition on all sites. No difference in disease incidence is evident between thinned and unthinned stands at this time. Cost data recently collected from an operational-scale thinning trial showed costs ranging from $6.75 to $8.90 per acre with an average cost of approximately $8.00 per acre. Due to optimal site conditions, these costs are likely near the low end of the cost range for strip-thinning. Technical assistance was provided to the Blandin Paper Company, Division of Lands and Forestry during the reporting period. Current research status and economic analyses were provided to assist in future land management planning.Item Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1992-May 31, 1993): Monitoring Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1993) Berguson, William EThis project has five primary research tasks related to the determination of growth and yield of aspen in response to mechanical strip-thinning; analysis of disease incidence in thinned and unthinned stands and determination of the costs and economic feasibility of mechanical stripthinning of aspen. Studies of growth through the 1992 growing season on recently-thinned aspen stands have shown an average growth increase due to thinning of 15 percent over unthinned stands. Statistical analysis shows a strong correlation between initial tree size and the magnitude of the growth response to thinning. Growth of the largest trees in thinned areas is 34 percent faster than unthinned areas of the stands. Evaluation of site characteristics continues with textural analyses completed on the majority of soil samples collected to date. Indices of stand density and initial tree diameter distribution are being developed for the fourteen stands in the experimental network. Analysis of previously-thinned stands on the Chippewa National Forest shows that thinned stands have more than twice the merchantable volume than an unthinned stand at this time. This indicates that the ultimate goal to reduce harvest rotations of aspen by ten years is likely attainable on some sites in Minnesota. Summary tables describing disease incidence and severity for all sites have been prepared. Differences between thinned and unthinned stands in mechanical injury is evident at some sites. Variation in disease incidence and severity is apparent between sites. Economic analyses have continued with additional information collected on thinning costs and operational feasibility. Two sites evaluated in the spring showed extremes of the previously-established range of thinning costs. Costs per acre were $8.50 at one site and $20 per acre at another. This is due to differences in terrain and stand composition.Item Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (December 1, 1993-May 31, 1994): Monitoring Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1994) Berguson, William EThis project has five primary research tasks related to the determination of growth and yield of aspen in response to mechanical strip-thinning; analysis of disease incidence in thinned and unthinned stands and determination of the costs and economic feasibility of mechanical stripthinning of aspen. All activities for the 1993 growing season related to data collection are complete. The average diameter growth rate of the 200 largest trees in the network of new experiments is approximately 25 percent greater in thinned stands compared to unthinned stands on the same site. Laboratory analysis of soils were completed on all samples to complete that soils database for Task II studies. Measurement of tree growth and analysis of the older previously-thinned stands on the Chippewa National Forest are complete (Task III). Stand 3, which was thinned at age 11 and is now 25 years of age has 17. 9 merchantable cords standing volume per acre compared to an adjacent unthinned area which has 9.3 cords per acre. Stand 7, which was thinned at age 12 and is now 21 years old has 5.5 cords of merchantable volume per acre compared to 3. 3 in unthinned areas. An inventory of disease was done at Stand 3 and on one site on Blandin Paper Company land. Disease incidence on all plots will be measured this summer on the recently established studies. Economic analyses (Task V) were updated to reflect the rapid changes in aspen stumpage. Assuming a stumpage price of $22 per cord, the net present value (NPV) of thinned aspen is $429 per acre versus $168 for a no-thinning option; a difference of approximately $261 per acre.Item Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (June 1, 1992-November 30, 1992): Monitoring Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1992) Berguson, William EThis project has five primary research tasks related to the determination of growth and yield of aspen in response to mechanical strip thinning; analysis of disease incidence in thinned and unthinned stands and determination of the costs and economic feasibility of mechanical stripthinning of aspen. Work done during the current reporting period concentrated on detailed characterization of sites as outlined under Task II of the project workplan. Studies of stand density showed that sites in the experiment network differ statistically in average stocking density with more heavily-stocked stands found in Koochiching County and less dense stands located in Cass County. Direct measurement of canopy density was done using a light meter to determine light penetration through canopies in thinned and unthinned stands. This information will be used to track the development of thinned stands over time and project future growth rates. Soil sampling was done at all sites to characterize site quality. Soil samples will be analyzed for texture, water. holding capacity and nutrient status during the coming reporting period. Data collection activities related to Task I and III (evaluation of growth response to strip-thinning) is nearly complete for all sites. Collection of tree growth data will be completed in early December. An inventory of disease, insect and mechanical damage in thinned and unthinned stands was completed for those sites not inventoried in 1991. Economic analyses were expanded to evaluate the effects of assumptions about rotation age on the economic feasibility of strip-thinning. Rotation age is shown to have a large effect on economic performance of an investment in thinning with net present value decreasing by six percent for every year increase in rotation age. Plans for the next reporting period include summary and analysis of growth data for the 1992 growing season, analysis of foliage and soil samples and integration of economic analyses with tree growth data.Item Increasing Aspen Production through Mechanical Strip-Thinning (June 1, 1994-November 30, 1994): Monitoring Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1994) Berguson, William EThis project has five primary research tasks related to the determination of growth and yield of aspen in response to mechanical strip-thinning; analysis of disease incidence in thinned and unthinned stands, and determination of the costs and economic feasibility of mechanical stripthinning of aspen. All data collection activities for the 1994 growing season are complete and data are currently being entered into computer format in preparation for statistical analysis. Annual incremental basal area growth over the past four years is 15 percent higher on average in thinned stands compared to unthinned stands in the network of experiments established at the start of this project. Tree growth data collected on older previously-thinned stands on the Chippewa National Forest show that thinned stands have approximately 20 merchantable cords standing volume per acre compared to an adjacent unthinned area which has 11 cords per acre. Disease incidence data were collected on all of the research sites during 1994. No difference in the incidence of Hypoxylon, Nectria, Cytospora, and Saperda was observed between thinned and unthinned treatments. Economic analyses (Task V) were done using a range of aspen stumpage prices currently received at auctions in the region. These analyses show that absolute financial returns and differences in returns between thinned and unthinned scenarios continue to increase, primarily a result of increasing stumpage prices.Item Intellectual Property in the NRRI Hybrid Poplar Program – Inventory, Commercialization Plan, and Progress Report(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2021-02) Nelson, Neil D; Berguson, William E; McMahon, Bernard G; Jackson, Jeffrey; Buchman, Daniel; DuPlissis, John; White, Timothy WIntellectual property in the NRRI hybrid poplar program was analyzed, and elite clones were prioritized for plant patent applications to the USPTO. Clones were selected in two hybrid categories, Populus deltoides x Populus nigra (D x N, DN) and Populus deltoides x Populus deltoides (D x D, DD). Positive traits attributed to these clones include fast and stable growth, broad adaptability (geo-robustness), disease resistance, good rooting ability, good vigor in stoolbeds (cutting orchards), and good performance in phytoremediation applications. Six Generation 1.0 improved clones were selected for possible patenting, four DN and two DD, out of 13,000 1st generation genotypes tested, a selection intensity of 0.0005 (0.05 %). Market size is discussed, a patent strategy is formulated, and a commercialization action plan and timeline compiled. We are working with University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization (TC) on a patenting and licensing evaluation. One improved DN clone has been selected for initial commercialization, a one-page marketing flyer on the clone has been designed, and selected private and public nurseries are being offered free cuttings of the selected clone for propagation testing as a prelude to potential licensing.Item Inter-Tree Competition Effects in Hybrid Poplar Genotype Testing(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2022-02) Nelson, Neil D; Buchman, Daniel; Cai, Meijun; McMahon, Bernard G; Berguson, William EThe effects of inter-tree competition on growth in family field trials (FFT), clone trials (CT) and yield blocks (YB) were studied in NRRI experimental field plots in Minnesota, USA. FFT and CT competition is inter-clonal , YB competition is intra-clonal. Two approaches were explored: (1) regression analysis of growth of individual trees versus growth of immediate neighboring trees in FFT and CT; (2) bole volume growth as measured by DBH2 in CT versus YB for the same clones on each site to determine whether inter- clonal competition in CT overestimates tree growth in YB. In CT on five sites planted the same year with the same population of clones (“simultaneous CT”), significant negative slopes, indicating the onset of inter-tree competition, occurred in the fifth and sixth years for the two fastest-growing CT. The top 50th growth percentile clone group in the fastest-growing of the simultaneous CT had a significant negative regression line slope; the lower 50th group did not. The three slower growing CT did not exhibit competition (significant negative slopes) from three through six years. A separate clone trial measured through 9 years showed little evidence of inter-tree competition. The regression slopes in FFT were almost all positive, indicating no inter-tree competition effects from three through ten years of stand age. All significant regression R2 values were low–a maximum of 24 % for CT, 22 % for FFT. Clonal genetic potential for growth likely predominates prior to significant inter-clonal competition, suggesting that randomization of single-tree replications of each clone within each block is effective in evaluating clone genetic growth potential within the initial six years selection window that we have used in our program. There was no significant difference between CT and YB for tree bole volume growth (yield) in a population of clones. There was wide variation in the YB/CT yield ratios between individual clones on a site. Some individual clones exhibited wide variation in YB/CT ratios between different sites, indicating a clone x site interaction for this trait. The commercial clone NM6, used as a check clone in most of our studies, had the widest variation of any clone in YB/CT ratios between sites, ranging from 53 % to 104 %. Of the 22 YB/CT yield ratios for specific clones on 14 sites, only four were above 100 %, indicating a clear trend for CT overestimating yields in YB. The average of the 22 YB/CT ratios was 86 %, again indicating overestimation of YB yield in the CT. The YB/CT ratio for NM6 averaged 79 %, while five elite (fast growing, disease resistant) clones averaged a YB/CT yield ratio of 89 % over the 14 sites. CT/YB yield ratios are too variable to use CT growth as an estimate of growth for specific clones under near commercial conditions (YB).Item Soil/Forest Productivity Relationships in St. Louis County Results of Analysis of Woods Data: Final Report(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1990-01) Berguson, William E; Updegraff, KarenThe goal of this project is to organize and analyze the Wood5 data set to aid in the formulation of forest management recommendations in St Louis County. Collection of Wood5 data has been ongoing since the start of the soil survey. The purpose of the Wood5 project is to collect detailed soil and forest growth data on a variety of soil and forest cover types to develop relationships between soil characteristics and forest growth.Item Testing of a Microbial Amendment in Municipal Solid Waste Composting: Final Report(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1992-08) Berguson, William E; Buchman, DanielItem Undrained Peatlands for Short Rotation Forestry(University of Minnesota, Duluth, 1989-12) Berguson, William E