Current research and development of work methods and technique in forestry

The insights, results and recommendations of the 18th IUFRO World Congress have contributed to an understanding of the need for a scientific management of forests and production forces as an imperative of modern forestry. The time it takes for techniques, methods and equipment to be outdated has been decreasing exponentially. Research has been focused on advancing and developing specialized technology for application to specific conditions, objects and means for work. The task of increasing the degree of mechanization and decrease the number and duration of work operations involved in cutting and primary wood conversion in the forests is of the first priority. When constructing work means new materials are used to a considerable degree, as well as the most recent technical solutions, radio technology and microprocessors. Calculating with the limitations that will increasingly burden the preservation of man's environment, the trend of productivity growth in forestry will continue, due for the most part to a better organization of work and better utilization of the available cutting timber. Efficient planing, handling and direction under constantly changing management conditions demand a sophisticated degree of development within the forestry information system. The computer, however, is still rarely used for planning, following up and regulating the work and production processes. Programmed models should be understandable, realistic in terms of the existing organization and adaptable to usage by operative supervisors. A continual presentation is necessary on the advantage of using computers, in order to create a positive climate for expanding the application of computers and furthering the development of the forestry information system. The issues facing forestry must be explored and resolved interdisciplinary in accordance with the development of the other parts of the overall economic system of society.