A comprehensive technology information page by the Forest Development Department, Forestry Agency, systematically organizing survey reports, pamphlets, and other materials on labor-saving and cost-reduction technologies for reforestation.
In FY2024, to systematically organize results of demonstrations and initiatives conducted nationwide for the introduction and dissemination of labor-saving and cost-reduction technologies for reforestation, these were published as Director-General Notice "Technical Guidelines for Labor-Saving and Cost-Reduction in Reforestation" and Development Division Chief Notice "Commentary on Technical Guidelines for Labor-Saving and Cost-Reduction in Reforestation." Case study collections were also created, providing content that can be used as practical guides for technology introduction.
For integrated operation systems, surveys were conducted from FY2014 to FY2017 to advance cost-reduction of site preparation and planting through weeding expenses, which account for the majority of reforestation costs. Know-how and precautions regarding key points for low-cost reforestation including "introduction of integrated operation systems," "container seedlings," "reduction in weeding frequency," "deer damage mitigation," and "reforestation cost prediction" are organized. Additionally, case study collections from FY2014 to FY2016 were created to verify the effects of integrating logging and site preparation.
For low-density planting, surveys were conducted from FY2015 to FY2019, with revisions made based on follow-up survey results from FY2020 to FY2021. Low-density planting test sites for cedar, hinoki cypress, and larch were established nationwide to verify differences in growth conditions by planting density by tree species and region, and to obtain knowledge on forest establishment reliability, cost reduction effects, pest and disease damage, and criteria for determining weeding completion. These were compiled as "Technical Guidelines for Low-Density Planting of Cedar, Hinoki Cypress, and Larch."
For labor-saving in weeding, surveys were conducted on labor-saving weeding work through mechanization of weeding and site preparation and utilization of large seedlings, with the "Handbook for Labor-Saving Weeding Work" published in March 2023. While ensuring reforestation after clear-cutting is essential for sustainable forestry development, weeding and other reforestation work relies heavily on manual labor, making promotion of labor-saving and cost-reduction through work mechanization important.
For fast-growing tree utilization, surveys were conducted from FY2017 to FY2019, with revisions made based on FY2021 follow-up survey results. For tree species capable of timber production, surveys were conducted on planting suitable sites, density, wildlife damage measures, and other factors for the two species Melia azedarach and Cunninghamia lanceolata, where planting is progressing in each region, creating the "Forest Development Method Guidelines Using Fast-Growing Trees."
Other initiatives include case study collections organizing excellent initiatives for reforestation of unreforested areas and afforestation of abandoned farmland, innovative reforestation model case study collections, and link collections to research reports by the Forest Research and Management Organization, providing comprehensive information for reducing reforestation costs and labor.
The article concludes that this functions as an important information infrastructure that systematically organizes technical information and practical examples for efficiently and effectively advancing forest development, supporting technology introduction in the field.