Biomass use boosted by coppice harvester
SRPs offer a promising alternative source of income for farmers through the cultivation of fast-growing tree species as a source of bioenergy. However, automated and cost-effective harvesting technologies are needed to meet the steadily growing demand for planted biomass material. The ROD-PICKER(opens in new window) (Automatic harvesting system for SRC nurseries) project was set up to address this need. Researchers developed a fully automated harvesting, sorting and packaging system for SRC farmers. Consortium members compiled and distributed a questionnaire in several EU states to understand user requirements for an autonomous SRC harvester. This information was used as a starting point for the design of a prototype system. The design comprised three modules: the cutting or harvesting unit, the sorting and packaging unit, and the monitoring and control unit. The prototype harvester module can be attached to a tractor and used in single or double row plantations. Increased speed of operation and the higher quality of the cuts resulted in a higher yield. There was also a decrease in the time needed for harvesting as well as costs. The prototype for the second module used sensors to sort the harvested rods, cut off the parts that were not required and tie them into bundles of 50. In comparison with other systems, ROD-PICKER was found to yield a larger harvest and consume less fuel. It also demonstrated clear economic benefits compared to current practices on SRC farms.