Transporting the forest residues located in slash piles out of the woods requires vehicles and equipment to roll and vibrate over bare ground. This activity can cause soil compaction and disturbance, which can lead to adverse soil erosion and limit plant growth.
Numerous studies and harvesting policies have been initiated to lessen the impact of soil …more
NARA is an alliance of academic institutions, government labs and industry and is funded by USDA-NIFA. Oregon State University (OSU) is part of the alliance. When NARA started, OSU was projected to receive nearly $5 million for their research contributions. NARA researchers from OSU are primarily tasked with finding solutions to feedstock development and logistical challenges.
Scott Leavengood is the director of the Oregon Wood Innovation Center …more
A repository of unbiased information regarding utilization of woody biomass for biofuels and co-products has been revised and updated. Check it out!
A report on climate change impacts in the United States highlighting the 12 overarching findings and a summary of impacts by region has been released today.
The Northwest Wood-Based Biofuels + Co-Products Conference wrapped up this week …more
Story written by Jenna Loeppky: M.F. candidate and graduate research assistant in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resource Management at Oregon State University
Researchers, such as Oregon State University Professor and NARA investigator Dr. Kevin Boston, are asking questions …more
Over 100 participants attended the Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation (JCATI) Symposium held April 21st at Washington State University in Pullman Washington. JCATI was established in 2012 by the Washington state governor and legislature to foster industry and academia collaboration within Washington State. Some of the topics for …more
NARA researchers Dr. Carter Fox and Dr. Ian Dallmeyer from Weyerhaeuser provided an overview of their work to high school educators and their students. Fox and Dallmeyer are charged with developing commercial products from the wood material left over after the carbohydrates are removed to make bio-jet fuel.
Their presentation is one of a series of NARA information webinars featured on the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) …more
For wood tissue, lignin plays an essential role. It is a complex molecule located in the cell walls that provides mechanical strength and allows for efficient water transport. It is also quite plentiful. Depending on the species, the lignin in wood can represent between 25 to 30% of the dry weight.
Typically, the lignin produced from the pulp and paper industry (known as kraft lignin) is …more
A woodland owner has a choice of time tested measuring techniques to predict how much lumber can be produced from trees. Accurate volume estimates can help forest managers plan for the number and type of trees to harvest and the appropriate workforce and equipment needed.
NARA provides technical assistance to an emerging industry that, instead of using the bole wood (trunk) for lumber, uses the wood …more