📘 Read the full study in Forest Science (2025): https://doi.org/10.1007/s44391-025-00024-w or contact Dr. Chad Bolding for more information.
As global demand for renewable energy grows, the southeastern United States has become a major supplier of wood pellets. This shift has raised concerns about the environmental sustainability of harvesting practices used to supply pellet feedstock.
In a 2025 study, DiGiacomo et al. evaluated 67 harvest sites across five southeastern states, comparing conventional pulpwood harvests with pellet feedstock operations—including those using in-woods chipping. The researchers assessed soil disturbance, ground cover, vegetation height, snag density, and other post-harvest characteristics.
The findings were largely reassuring. Most metrics showed no significant differences between pellet and conventional harvests. However, in-woods chipping operations did result in slightly more bare soil and skid trail area—factors that could increase erosion risk if not properly managed.
Importantly, the study found no evidence that pellet harvesting negatively affects wildlife habitat or forest structure. Snag density, residual basal area, and vegetation height were consistent across treatments.
For forest industry professionals, this research underscores the importance of implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), particularly when using in-woods chipping. While pellet feedstock harvesting is not inherently more disruptive, attention to detail remains critical to maintaining forest health and sustainability.
🌲Key Findings and Summary:
- Pellet feedstock harvesting differs slightly from conventional pulpwood harvesting—but like all forest operations, it requires thoughtful planning and execution.
- Most site characteristics (soil disturbance, vegetation height, snag density) were similar across all harvest types.
- In-woods chipping operations had slightly more bare soil and skid trail area—potentially increasing erosion risk if BMPs aren’t followed.
- Wildlife habitat indicators were unaffected by pellet feedstock harvesting.
