Agricultural Uses for Western Redcedar Residues from Shake and Shingle Mills

A literature review was made covering the agricultural uses for western redcedar shake and shingle mill residues. Types and estimated volumes of residues available are as follows: coarse, 14 percent of original log volume; bark, 11 percent; fine residues from shingle mills, 7 percent; fine residues from shake mills, 14 percent. Total annual production of residues by shake and shingle mills in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia was estimated to be 700,000 ovendry tons in 1968, compared to 1 to 1.5 million ovendry tons from cedar sawmills. Only one-fourth of the cedar residues currently is used, and this is mainly as fuel. The remainder is disposed of by burning or land filling. The literature review pays special attention to the effect of redcedar residues on fungi, bacteria, plant growth, insects, and higher life forms. Covered are the general physical properties and chemical constituents of cedar bark and sawdust. The large (5-25 percent by weight) amount of water-soluble extractives in cedar sawdust is a significant feature. Properties which make residues suitable for plant mulches, animal litter or bedding, fruit packing, and insect repellents are discussed. Potential uses for pulp and composition board furnish are documented. Proposals are made outlining research areas showing the best promise to increase utilization of western redcedar residues; plant mulches and animal litter appear to be in this category.

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