Abstract Background: This study evaluated the technical performance, energy demand, and carbon footprint of particleboards produced from Erythrina poeppigiana (Walp.) O.F. Cook wood obtained from agroforestry systems, considering different panel densities and structural configurations. Results: Panel density significantly influenced both physical properties and environmental performance. Single-layer panels showed improved dimensional stability, with thickness swelling values below 22%, whereas multilayer panels exceeded this limit. Water absorption ranged from 40.1 to 78.4%, confirming the high hygroscopicity of the material. Mechanical performance was satisfactory, with modulus of elasticity ranging from 2062 to 2654 MPa, while modulus of rupture (18.6–23.7 MPa) and internal bond strength (0.49–0.80 MPa) showed no significant differences among treatments. In the cradle-to-gate assessment, energy demand ranged from 4649 to 4869 MJ·m⁻³ and CO₂e emissions from 189.89 to 203.06 kg CO₂e·m⁻³. Lower-density panels showed the lowest environmental impacts due to reduced wood and adhesive consumption. Adhesive production was the main contributor, accounting for approximately 72–74% of total emissions. Conclusion: E. poeppigiana wood from agroforestry systems is a viable alternative raw material for particleboard production. Panel structure and material efficiency were the main factors controlling performance and environmental impacts. High water absorption values (40.1–78.4%) represent a critical limitation, compromising dimensional stability and restricting multilayer configurations under moisture exposure. Improvements in dimensional stability are still required.
ABSTRACT Background: In recent years, mechanized logging equipment has become more frequently used in topographically suitable and intensively managed forest areas. However, the rut depths caused by this logging equipment can cause serious deformation problems in the forest soil. In this study, the physical impacts of a skidder on forest soil were evaluated using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based digital imagery. The research was conducted in the Saros Forest Enterprise Chief located in the city of Çanakkale in Türkiye, where rut depth formations were comparatively analyzed using manual ruler method and UAV data. Rut depths were determined for two slope classes (0-20% and 20-50%) and during the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth turns of the skidder. Results: The results indicated that the rut depths calculated from UAV imagery were highly consistent with those obtained from manual measurements. It was observed that rut depths were greater on steeper slopes (20-50%) and increased with the number of turns. In addition, bulk density and hygroscopic moisture tended to increase in low-slope areas while decreasing in steep slopes. Conclusion: The UAV-based method provides a quick and reliable approach for monitoring soil deformation caused by a skidder during logging operations. This UAV-based method can help predict the environmental impacts of logging equipment and support more sustainable timber extraction planning. Moreover, the proposed methodology can be applied to evaluate the physical effects of other mechanized logging equipment on forest soil.
ABSTRACT Background: Epicormic sprouting represents a promising strategy for vegetative rescue and propagation of mature trees; however, factors influencing sprout productivity and viability remain insufficiently understood for Ilex paraguariensis. This study evaluated the epicormic sprouting potential of detached branches according to disposition sense (horizontal and vertical) and branch diameter (thin and thick), as well as the adventitious rooting performance of cuttings derived from epicormic and canopy sprouts. Detached branches were maintained under controlled mini-tunnel conditions and assessed over a 120-day period for survival, sprouting percentage, number of sprouts and sprout length. Subsequently, cuttings from both material sources were evaluated for survival, callus formation, rooting and sprout development. Results: Disposition sense was the main factor influencing sprouting dynamics. Vertically disposed branches exhibited faster initial sprouting but reduced longevity, whereas horizontally disposed branches showed slower development combined with extended survival. Branch diameter had secondary effects, mainly influencing early sprouting responses. Epicormic cuttings presented lower survival compared to canopy-derived material; however, rooting percentages were statistically similar between sources. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that detached branches constitute a viable ex situ source of epicormic sprouts, allowing flexible management strategies depending on production goals. Nevertheless, improvements in environmental conditions and propagule physiological status may be required to enhance survival in vegetative propagation. Overall, detached branches represent a promising alternative for the propagation and conservation of I. paraguariensis, supporting clonal propagation programs while minimizing damage to the selected trees.
ABSTRACT Background: Accurate prediction of diameter at breast height (DBH) from stump diameter measurements is essential for sustainable forest management, particularly in post-harvest assessments, illegal logging investigations, and carbon accounting protocols in Quercus cerris stands. Traditional allometric models often fail to capture the complex nonlinear relationships inherent in tree growth patterns, necessitating advanced computational approaches. This study aims to develop and validate artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting DBH from stump diameter in Q. cerris stands across diverse ecological conditions in Turkish forests. Results: We conducted an extensive field survey across 103 systematically distributed sample plots encompassing 1,077 individual Q. cerris trees within the Bursa Regional Directorate of Forestry, Türkiye. The study area represented diverse site conditions including five site quality classes, stand age, and varying stand densities. Fourteen traditional regression models were compared against five distinct ANN architectures with varying activation functions. The ANN model employing hyperbolic tangent sigmoid activation function between input and hidden layers coupled with pure-linear function between hidden and output layers (ANN-2) with 8 neurons demonstrated superior predictive performance (SSE = 567.07, RMSE = 2.290, MSE = 4.797, R²adj = 0.9484). Among conventional models, quadratic regression (Model 4) exhibited competitive performance but showed evidence of heteroscedasticity and model assumption violations. Conclusion: This research demonstrates the superior capability of artificial neural networks in modeling complex DBH-stump diameter relationships in Q. cerris compared to traditional statistical approaches. The developed ANN models provide forest managers with robust, accurate tools for retrospective forest assessments, illegal logging quantification, and sustainable management planning.
ABSTRACT Background: Brazilian planted forests play a critical role in global wood and fiber production but face significant productivity challenges from pests and diseases. Leaf-cutting ants (Atta spp. and Acromyrmex spp.) are the main pest in the Brazilian planted forests and cause significant productivity losses every year. Identifying areas most susceptible to colony establishment and growth is crucial for implementing effective management strategies. This study aims to assess the influence of edaphoclimatic and landscape variables on the establishment and expansion of leaf-cutting ant colonies and identify the key factors driving their occurrence. Results: Based on a decade of monitoring data from 33,000 Eucalyptus stands across five regions, Random Forest models reached accuracies of 83% for predicting initial nests and 78% for predicting large nests. Conclusion: The machine learning models effectively detected both initial and large nests, revealing that edaphoclimatic and landscape conditions exert varying levels of influence across macro-regions.
Background: The degradation and loss of forest cover negatively impact different ecosystems, causing many socio-environmental challenges. This study aims to estimate carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, as well as carbon sequestration through natural forest recovery and reforestation in the North Pacific Basin of Mexico. The methodology follows the guidelines of the good practices of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, combining activity data with emission and sequestration factors. Results: The findings indicate a deforestation of 597, 124 ha, a forest degradation of 491,285 ha, resulting in emissions of 9,685.28 Gg CO2e and 1, 048.49 Gg CO2e, respectively, as well as reforestation of 5, 328 ha and a natural forest recovery of 97, 112 ha, which originated an absorption of 6.81 Gg CO2e and 413.38 Gg CO2e, consecutively. Conclusion: The highest emissions were associated with the conversion of primary and secondary deciduous forests into annual croplands. Furthermore, primary oak forests transitioned into secondary oak forests. The most affected municipalities include Badiraguato, Mezquital, Guadalupe y Calvo, Durango, Guachochi, Culiac & aacute;n, and El Fuerte.
Background: Contrasting edaphoclimatic differences will influence the development of Eucalyptus forests, resulting in varying responses according to the clone. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of clone x site interaction on the wood density (WD) of Eucalyptus planted in tropical environments in Brazil. Eucalyptus clones (R9: E. urophylla, B2: E. urophylla x E. grandis, H8, and D4: E. grandis x E. urophylla) were analyzed 4 years after planting at 10 sites. Atotal of 120 trees were sampled, and the WD was determined. The relationship between WD, mean annual increment, and climate variables (temperature, precipitation, vapor pressure deficit and soil water deficit) was assessed for each clone. Results: The site effect and clone x site interaction were significant. Clones H8 and R9 showed the most consistent WD across sites, with density differences of 18 % and 14 %, respectively, and H8 exhibited a similar mean in 80 % of the sites. B2 and D4 were the most influenced by local growth with density variations of 28 and 22 %, respectively, indicating that WD is affected by the interaction of genotype and growth environment. Only B2 showed significant correlations between density and all environmental variables, while density in R9 did not correlate with any variable. Conclusion: Clones are similarly affected by climate across the tropical gradient of Brazil. However, the magnitude of responses differs among clones at a single site. The effects of climate conditions on density are more evident when contrasting situations are compared.
Background: Land use plays a critical role in shaping human societies and environmental sustainability. This study investigates strategies influencing land use dynamics and their potential implications for territorial management and public policy development. We propose a new approach to identify three different land use strategies, and to quantify and analyze their spatial relevance. The study area, located in a Brazilian Biosphere Reserve, covers two watersheds with distinct ecosystems and socioeconomic contexts. We implemented the following steps: mapping land use, computing the potential for agricultural use, mapping restricted zones, and computing the strategies. We accessed public databases and performed spatial analyses using Google Earth Engine, Google Colab and QGIS software. Results: One of the watersheds exhibits less anthropization and better environmental preservation. Consequently, it presents greater potential for implementing Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programs. The other watershed, with higher anthropization and agricultural intensity, requires more extensive restoration, especially in restricted areas. Conclusion: These differences underscore the importance of tailoring land management strategies to specific socioeconomic and environmental characteristics, ensuring effective conservation and territorial management. The primary scientific novelty of this work lies in the methodological integration that transitions from traditional land-use diagnostics to a prescriptive spatial planning framework. Our study contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Background: Optimal sampling designs are crucial for accurate ecological and forestry assessments, particularly for regeneration studies in Amazonian secondary forests, which play an important role in biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. This study evaluated different sampling plot configurations for estimating regeneration diversity and structural attributes in a 30-year-old secondary forest in Bel & eacute;m, Brazil. Within a one-hectare permanent plot (100 & times; 100 m), all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) <= 10 cm were measured, identified, and geolocated, totaling 3,003 individuals. Trees were classified into two diameter classes: DBH < 5 cm and 5 cm <= DBH <= 10 cm. Resampling simulations using the bootstrap method subdivided the one-hectare plot into four sampling plot sizes (4 m(2), 25 m(2), 50 m(2), and 100 m(2)) with rectangular and square shapes. Simulations tested sample sizes ranging from four to (N-1) units, with 1,000 iterations per configuration. Results: Accuracy and precision for diversity metrics (species richness and Shannon-Weaver index) and structural attributes (tree density, stem density, and basal area) were evaluated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Relative Sampling Error (RSE). Results indicated that 4 m(2) sampling plots were the most suitable for estimating diversity metrics across both diameter classes, regardless of plot shape. For structural variables, square 4 m(2) plots performed best for trees with DBH < 5 cm, whereas rectangular 50 m(2) plots were optimal for trees with 5 cm <= DBH <= 10 cm. The influence of plot shape varied depending on the variable analyzed and the sampling plot size. Conclusion: Overall, sampling plots of 4 m(2) and 50 m(2) are recommended for efficient regeneration sampling in Amazonian secondary forests, as they provide better accuracy and precision for diversity and structural estimates across different diameter classes.
Background: Plantessential oils have beentested asstrategy to increasewood durability and to optimize its use. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficiency of Chrysopogon zizanioides essential oil produced in Brazil and in China to increase Pinus wood resistance against the wood-destroying fungus Rhodonia placenta. Wood specimens were exposed to fungus Rhodonia placenta and treated with these oils at concentrations 10%, 25%, 50% and 100%. Gas chromatography in combination to mass spectrometer was performed to feature the oil components. Results: The Brazilian oil turned Pinus wood highly resistant to R. placenta and the Chinese one made it partially resistant to this fungus. Brazilian sample presented compounds typical of C. zizanioides, namely: khusimol, (3-vetivone, vetiselinenol and (3-vetisperene. The Chinese oil only presented few sesquiterpenes, among them, cis-thujopsene, cedrol and pachoulol. Isopropyl myristate was its major component, but it does not have plant origin. Conclusion: Therefore, Pinus wood is highly susceptible to fungus R. placenta, but it gets resistant to it after being treated with typical C. zizanioides essential oil at concentrations of 25%, 50% and 100%. C. zizanioides essential oil added with additives, such as isopropyl myristate, loses efficiency in making Pinus wood resistant to fungus R. placenta.
ABSTRACT Background: One of the challenges in the development of densified wood products is maintaining their dimensional stability. Several treatment methods are employed to achieve this stability, including the delignification process. This paper analyzes the efficiency of the delignification process on the improving of the densified wood dimensional stability through a systematic literature review. This research was based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and conducted using Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. After the eligibility criteria application and bias analysis, the systematic search sample resulted in 54 articles. The meta-analysis was conducted through a narrative synthesis, including the densification process, wood species, apparent density, delignification process, other wood treatments, and dimensional stability. Results: The delignification process was used in approximately 26% of the 54 articles analyzed and these numbers occurred after 2018. Of the studies that related dimensional stability to delignification, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as a reagent in 50% of the cases. The combination of NaOH and Na2SO3 in the alkaline treatment of wood was the most used (28.5%). The treatments used proved effective in the partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose, improving the dimensional stability of the species analyzed. Conclusion: The increasing number of publications in China indicates that the Chinese market has a significant demand for densified wood. Although partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose improves the dimensional stability of densified wood, some studies have shown that excessive removal of lignin can negatively impact the mechanical characteristics of the material.
Background: This study evaluates the anatomical, physical, and colorimetric properties of Gordonia fruticosa (huamanchilca) and Vochysia ferruginea (bella Maria), two tropical timber species from the montane rainforest of Amazonas, Peru. Samples were analyzed according to radial and tangential anatomical planes to examine their influence on wood properties under dry and saturated conditions. Results: Anatomical analysis revealed diffuse porosity in G. fruticosa and visible porosity with aliform parenchyma in V. ferruginea. Physical tests showed medium basic density values (0.55 and 0.41 g/cm(3), respectively) and similar volumetric shrinkage (similar to 10.8%) in both species. Colorimetric results indicated that drying increases lightness and modifies chromatic coordinates. G. fruticosa showed increased red and yellow saturation after drying, whereas V. ferruginea exhibited a decrease. No significant differences were found between radial and tangential planes in color parameters. Conclusion: These findings contribute to understanding the interaction between anatomical features and moisture content on wood properties, providing valuable information for optimizing industrial drying processes and supporting sustainable management of these tropical species.
Background: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) generate a symbiotic relationship with most terrestrial plants, influencing the dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. There are few studies on the diversity of these fungi associated with forest species and in different types of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity and structure of AMF communities associated with Cordia alliodora and Swietenia macrophylla in two forestry ecosystems with different types of management in Costa Rica. For this purpose, rhizosphere and soil samples were collected from 10 trees at random, spores and sporocarps were isolated and characterized, AMF abundance, richness and diversity were determined, and a physicochemical analysis of the soil was carried out. Results: Fifty-seven AMF morphospecies belonging to five orders, 10 families and 15 genera were identified, with a predominance of Diversisporales and Glomerales; we report 15 new geographic records of AMF increasing the richness to 76 species and by 24% the Glomeromycota's richness in Costa Rica. There were no significant differences in total spore abundance between the two forest species, however, there were significant differences in the modes of formation and species composition. Conclusions: The alpha diversity analysis showed that rare species largely explain the differences between the sites, and the AMF community structure was influenced by edaphic factors such as pH and available phosphorus content. These types of studies highlight the importance of considering the identity and diversity of AMF associated with forest species of commercial interest and ecological importance in different types of ecosystems.
Background: Although bark is often considered undesirable in industrial applications, it is an integral part of the tree and is always present. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of wood and bark of Eucalyptus clones cultivated for medium density fiberboard production. Results: Bark proportion ranged from 8.22% to 10.25%, and heartwood from 26.98% to 36.16%. The basic density of wood ranged from 455 to 502 kgm-3, wood with bark from 447 to 483 kgm-3, and bark from 342 to 368 kgm-3. Bark showed higher extractive (8.59% to 13.21%) and holocellulose (67.70% to 71.43%) contents and lower lignin content (18.20% to 19.99%) compared to wood. pH values ranged from 4.40 to 4.75, being higher in bark. Ash content was significantly higher in bark (1.64% to 2.21%) than in wood (0.18% to 0.29%). The inclusion of bark in wood did not significantly affect density, pH, or chemical composition, indicating its technical feasibility for MDF panel production. Conclusion: The inclusion of bark in the wood of Eucalyptus clones did not cause significant changes in basic density, chemical composition, pH, or ash content, confirming its technical feasibility for MDF panel production. The most affected properties due to the presence of bark were extractive and ash contents.
Background: The Eucalyptus genus is globally important for wood and non-wood product supply due to its fast growth, high productivity, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Eucalyptus benthamii is notably cultivated in subtropical regions, such as southern Brazil, due to its frost tolerance. However, the species exhibits low efficiency in adventitious rooting when propagated through clonal techniques. This study aimed to assess vegetative rescue techniques with different stump heights for E. benthamii and evaluate the effect of indolebutyric acid (IBA) 2024 on cutting rooting and seedlings development. Results: The first trial was conducted in the field using a 2x3 factorial design to compare two stump heights (15 cm and 90 cm) and three collection intervals. The number of shoots and total cuttings were analyzed across three shoot height classes. The stump 15 cm, especially in the second collection (111 days after rescue), produced the highest number of shoots (73.7 shoots stump-1). The second trial, carried out in a nursery, assessed rooting responses to IBA concentrations (0, 1500, 3000, and 4500 mg L-1) in cuttings from both rescue techniques (stump 15 cm and 90 cm). IBA significantly improved cutting survival, rooting rate, and root development. Conclusion: The stump at 15 cm was the most effective for shoot and cutting production in the field for vegetative rescue. Furthermore, an IBA concentration of 2800 mg L-1 is recommended for improving adventitious rooting and seedling production of E. benthamii.
Background: Guadua is a bamboo genus widely distributed in the state of Acre and holds significant potential for various applications; however, it remains largely underexplored. Bamboo morphology and anatomy are fundamental for accurate botanical identification, providing valuable insights for bioprospecting and influencing its functional properties. This study aimed to describe the morphology and perform an anatomical characterization of mature culms of Guadua acreana. Results: Mature culms were collected from a bamboo grove located on a private lot adjacent to FUNTAC (Funda & ccedil;& atilde;o de Tecnologia do Estado do Acre), at geographic coordinates Latitude 9 degrees 56'46.01" South and Longitude 67 degrees 52'8.86" West. A total of 10 culms were analyzed at FUNTAC. Anatomical sections were prepared and examined using optical microscopy, revealing size variations in the vascular bundles, with increasing metaxylem and phloem dimensions toward the inner culm region, which may influence mechanical properties or water conduction efficiency. The vascular bundles of G. acreana were classified as type V, characterized by a central vascular strand surrounded by condensed sclerenchyma sheaths and fiber cords. Conclusions: This study enhances the anatomical understanding of G. acreana and highlights its potential applications in reforestation, construction, furniture making, and pulp and paper production. Future research should focus on the mechanical properties and chemical composition of this species to improve its industrial utility.
Background: To cope with global change, plants shift their distributions. Rare species tend to shift their distribution more. Over 30% of the land is covered with woody species, which because of their longevity offer unique opportunities to monitor distribution shifts. The study addresses the following questions (1) how the distribution range of eight rare woody species is changing and how effectively the plants cope with the shift; (2) whether plant traits could predict those parameters. Maxent Distribution Modelling, was carried out for this purpose, on species observation records prior to 1980 under present climatic conditions and four future (CMIP5) scenarios. To assess how effectively plants cope with migration species observations after 1980 were assessed. Relationships with plant trait data on three traits were finally assessed. Results: The distribution ranges for four out of the eight species expanded northwards. Temperature driven (mostly through mean annual temperature which was ranked first for six out of the eight species) rather than precipitation (mean annual precipitation was ranked first only in two cases and in one case precipitation of the driest month was ranked third) driven variables described distribution shifts best. Wood density summarized well the susceptibility of those plants to climate change. There are many woody species in tropical and subtropical areas for which we have very little information available. Conclusion: Subject to the small pool of species, a plant trait was identified, wood density, that could summarize responses to global change that could potentially be used as a tool in conservation ecology to prioritize conservation efforts.
Background: The mountainous ecotonal regions of Brazil have a high diversity of species due to the sharing of faunal and floristic elements with adjacent biomes. These areas are preserved on a mesoscale and play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. This study aims to analyze bird community distribution within an ecotonal region based on phytophysiognomies, focusing on species richness, composition, and seasonality. Additionally, it seeks to estimate species diversity through richness estimators and identify bioindicator species for each environment using statistical models. Direct observations were carried out in 18 areas representing primary environments/phytophysiognomies during two distinct seasons. Results: 324 bird species from 60 families were recorded, including six species listed as threatened. The species accumulation curves did not reach asymptote, with a greater number of species for the summer. The distribution of species in the landscape was considered unique for each physiognomy and species composition. The INDVAL analysis found Serpophaga nigricans as an anthropogenic species, suggesting an adaptation of the species to areas with human activities, such as the tourist waterfall regions in this area. Conclusion: The distribution of birds in the mountainous ecotonal landscape showed the importance of environments as they are unique in each phytophysiognomy, highlighting the importance for hosts of endemic, rare and endangered species.
Background: Fast-growing species are crucial for the wood panel market, and Erythrina poeppigiana (mulungu) emerges as a promising alternative. Although its wood is not suitable for high-performance applications, using its veneers for plywood supports the diversification of raw materials in forestry. Furthermore, replacing petrochemicalbased adhesives is essential due to associated health and environmental risks. Tannins from forest species provide a sustainable alternative; however, their mechanical strength and moisture resistance must be improved. Nanolignin, a nanoscale additive, enhances these properties, making it a viable option for biodegradable adhesives. This study evaluates plywood production using E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with a tannin-nanolignin adhesive. Results: Adhesives were formulated with Acacia mearnsii* tannin partially replaced by nanolignin at different concentrations and tested for rheological properties. The wood, sourced from experimental plantations in Ilh & eacute;us, Bahia (Brazil), was processed into five-layer plywood panels bonded with 320 g/m2 of natural adhesive and pressed at 150 degrees C and 1 MPa for 10 minutes. The resulting panels were evaluated for physical and mechanical properties, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), acoustic insulation, and thermal conductivity. The results confirmed E. poeppigiana as a viable raw material for plywood production. Partial replacement of tannin with 1-2% nanolignin reduced adhesive viscosity, improving application and veneer penetration. The 2% nanolignin formulation increased hydrophobicity, reducing water absorption, while shear strength tests revealed higher cohesion and adhesion, particularly in adhesives containing 2-3% nanolignin. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that E. poeppigiana veneers bonded with tannin-nanolignin adhesives can produce plywood panels with suitable physical and mechanical performance. The incorporation of small amounts of nanolignin enhances the adhesive's rheological and bonding characteristics, contributing to improved durability and water resistance. These results support the potential use of E. poeppigian and nanolignin-modified tannins as sustainable materials in ecofriendly plywood manufacturing.
Background: The cost of forest roads is practically estimated by determining the Surface Material Types (SMT). Experts determine SMT by classifying soil, loose soil, and rocky surface material classes (%) through in-situ measurements, which are both costly and time-intensive. This study aims to reduce cost and time loss by evaluating the effectiveness of high-resolution remote sensing (RS) data in determining SMT. Conducted on a forest road in Konuralp region of D & uuml;zce district in T & uuml;rkiye, the study involved experts classifying the road's Soil, Loose Soil and Rocky surface material classes (%) and collecting high-resolution RS data using UAV. The RS data was processed through Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to classify the surface material types, and their accuracy was assessed using the Kappa Coefficient, Overall Accuracy (%) and Conditional Kappa. The images were clipped at 20-meter intervals for detailed analysis. The RS data classifications were then compared with in-situ measurements using statistical analyses Index-of-Agreement (IA). Results: The RF algorithm made the best identification, although the classification of the Loose Soil class was more difficult for both algorithms compared to the other classes. Both algorithms highest accuracy in identifying the Rocky class. Conclusions: This study proposes methods to reduce time loss in cost calculations and enhance the use of RS images for estimating forest road costs.
