Utilizing Bark At a Medium-Size Mill. Processing and Merchandising Bark Products

On the basis of over 4 years’ experience at Ivory Pine, a good estimate would be that there is 1 pound of bark for each board mixed conifers from the Sierras, or 1 ton for each 2,000 board feet. There was considerable variation in yield between species and the size of the logs. Generally, the white firs yield more bark than the pines, and large, old logs yield more than the smaller ones. There are two broad use categories: raw bark and composted bark. The raw bark seems best fitted to the growing of epiphytic plants, such as orchids. The big market and the broadest sphere of use is for bark that has been composted. Composting means breaking down the bark fiber into humus. Humus favorably affects the texture and moisture-holding qualities of the soil, and favors the development of beneficial soil bacteria. This is the principle material desired by growers of nursery stock, by landscapers, and by home gardeners. Bark composts more readily than sawdust because there is included in the bark the cambial zone of the tree. Of the various common species cut, the white firs seem to have the heaviest cambial zone, and of the two most available species, Abies magnifica seems to be the most easily composted. The compost is sold in both bulk and in sacks. Bark compost must bring at least $1 per sack at the plant to show any profit and retail at upwards of $2. On the basis of past experience, one can reasonably expect that bark, when properly prepared, will slowly create a market that will absorb the output of several mills the size of Ivory Pine.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member