Technical and cost evaluation of manual and semi-mechanized pruning in plantations of Pinus taeda

ResumoO objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar uma avaliação técnica e de custos das atividades de poda manual e semimecanizada em plantios de Pinus taeda L., visando gerar informações para o aumento da produtividade, melhoria da qualidade e redução dos custos de produção. A pesquisa foi conduzida em uma empresa prestadora de serviços florestais, localizada na região do Norte Pioneiro, Estado do Paraná. Foram estudadas as atividades de podas executadas a 2,5 m; 4,0 m e 5,0 m de altura. A avaliação técnica consistiu em um estudo de tempos e movimentos, determinando a produtividade, a eficiência operacional e a qualidade das operações, verificando a presença de tocos de galhos e injúrias no lenho. A análise de custos foi feita por meio da determinação dos custos operacionais e de produção. Os resultados mostraram que a poda manual apresentou menor produtividade em relação ao método semimecanizado, porém proporcionou melhor qualidade do trabalho em termos de injúrias no lenho das árvores. Apesar do maior custo de produção, a execução das podas mais altas pelo método semimecanizado tornou-se viável técnica e economicamente devido à melhor qualidade do trabalho em relação à presença de tocos de galhos e possíveis benefícios ergonômicos aos trabalhadores. AbstractTechnical and cost evaluation of manual and semi-mechanized pruning in plantations of Pinus taeda. The objective of this research was to conduct technical and cost analysis of pruning in Pinus taeda L. planted forests by semi-mechanized and manual methods to increase productivity, improve the quality and reduction of costs. The research was conducted in a forest service company, located in the State of Parana, Brazil. There was studied the pruning to 2.5 m, 4.0 m and 5.0 m high. The technical evaluation consisted of a time and motion study, determining the productivity, operational efficiency and the quality of activities verifying the presence of branch stumps and injuries in the wood. The cost analysis was done by determining operating and production costs. The results showed that manual pruning had lower productivity compared to the semi-mechanized method, provided even better quality of work over terms apparent injuries on wood. Though even higher production cost, the implementation of pruning higher by semi-mechanized methods becomes more technical and economically, caused by better quality work in relation to the branch stumps and possible ergonomics benefits to workers.Keywords: Productivity; cost; pruning and silviculture. AbstractThe objective of this research was to conduct technical and cost analysis of pruning in Pinus taeda L. planted forests by semi-mechanized and manual methods to increase productivity, improve the quality and reduction of costs. The research was conducted in a forest service company, located in the State of Parana, Brazil. There was studied the pruning to 2.5 m, 4.0 m and 5.0 m high. The technical evaluation consisted of a time and motion study, determining the productivity, operational efficiency and the quality of activities verifying the presence of branch stumps and injuries in the wood. The cost analysis was done by determining operating and production costs. The results showed that manual pruning had lower productivity compared to the semi-mechanized method, provided even better quality of work over terms apparent injuries on wood. Though even higher production cost, the implementation of pruning higher by semi-mechanized methods becomes more technical and economically, caused by better quality work in relation to the branch stumps and possible ergonomics benefits to workers.Keywords: Productivity; cost; pruning and silviculture