GHG Emissions from Forest Operations in Mediterranean Chestnut Coppices

This study investigated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with various mechanisation levels and extraction methods in Mediterranean chestnut (Castanea sativa L.) coppice forests. Located in central Italy, these forests play a significant role in economic as well as ecological terms. This study addressed a critical gap in emissions data for broadleaf forest operations by examining the productivity and environmental impact of four logging systems. These systems integrate semi-mechanised and mechanised felling methods with skidding and forwarding extraction techniques. The results revealed that mechanised felling significantly boosts productivity by 44–66% compared to semi-mechanised felling but generates over three times the GHG emissions per cubic meter of wood. Notably, extraction operations account for the largest share of total emissions, with skidding emitting nearly three times more than forwarding, primarily due to its lower work productivity. Specifically, forwarding in a Cut-to-Length (CTL) system achieved productivity of over double that of skidding and reduced emissions per cubic meter of extracted wood by up to 63%. Key findings suggested that improving work productivity through optimised extraction methods, operator training, and efficient road network layouts can substantially lower emissions. Among the systems tested, CTL forwarding paired with mechanised felling showed the highest productivity and lowest emissions, presenting a promising model for sustainable chestnut coppice management in Mediterranean regions.