Research
Current Research
1. Comparison of 3/16” and 5/16” drop lines in gravity systems using 3/16” lateral lines.
The use of 3/16” tubing on gravity systems has received much attention in recent years. Tim Wilmot and his colleagues have demonstrated the significant advantages of smaller diameter tubing, especially the first few years following installation. However, producers have noticed significant declines in production on older systems. Plugging or reduction in line flow by the build-up of bacteria, mold, etc., is certainly an issue, but one that can be minimized with proper sanitation. Another potential problem for 3/16” users is the sap drawback that occurs as trees freeze. As a tree freezes, negative pressure causes sap to be drawn back through the droplines into the tree. This also brings contaminants from the tubing, which will cause premature closing of tap holes. As a possible remedy, producers have been experimenting with larger diameter droplines to reduce capillary action in droplines, and therefore reduce sap drawback into tap holes.
We setup an experiment at the WVU Farm Woodlot in Morgantown, WV to assess the effect of dropline tubing size on sap production. An existing 3/16” gravity tubing system was used in conjunction with 3/16” and 5/16” droplines. Four separate lateral lines for each dropline size were connected to separate collection tanks. Each lateral line had approximately 4 trees.
Year 1 results suggest that larger droplines can increase production. We are continuing this experiment for additional years to assess the annual variability and consistency among treatments.
2. The impact of the timing of tapping and tap hole reaming on sap production
Weather patterns in WV and throughout the maple syrup producing region have been variable in recent years. Mid-season warm spells have affected effectively shortened the sap season by promoting microbial growth within tubing systems, leading to tap hole plugging. The result has been reduced sap flows and loss of productivity. Some anecdotal observations have suggested reaming midseason to “freshen up” tap holes and improve sap production. Our research is looking at three timings (Jan – Mar) and a midseason reaming to determine the optimum tap timing and the economic benefit of reaming.
3. Spatial and climate effects on maple sap flow events
Concerns about a changing climate have led many to question the viability of the southern maple syrup industry. Not only is there evidence that tree species natural ranges are shifting, there is also concern that the length and production potential associated with sap flow events are being shortening. Using spatial analyses, we are examining the changes in sap flow periods based on historical climate data collected throughout WV.
4. Using hyperspectral imagery to identify maple species
Using UAVs to collect remotely sensed data is becoming common practice for natural resource managers. Attempts to quantify forest stand conditions using remotely collected imagery have highlighted the challenges associated with mixed species, multi-strata forest conditions (Lieberman et al. 2017). One of the hurdles is accurately identifying species. However, newer technologies (i.e., hyperspectral cameras) may allow us to more easily classify tree species based on their unique spectral signatures. Our goal is to develop spectra at appropriate scales during distinct leaf display periods (e.g., early summer, mid-summer, fall) to allow UAV acquired inventories of forest stands specifically targeting maple species.
See Final Report
Abstract
Hyperspectral satellite data has long been used for land cover classification, but the coarse resolution does not lend itself to individual species classification. With recent advances in drone and sensor technology much higher resolution hyperspectral imagery can be collected on demand. However, these new sensors pose challenging workflows as well as data management problems as the high-resolution systems amass very large datasets quickly. This project focuses on identifying maple trees using the advanced remote sensing technique of multi-sensor data fusion of LiDAR, RGB imagery, and hyperspectral data in order to produce a workflow that can help classify what percentage of a forest is made up of maple trees. West Virginia is a predominantly forested state that has a long history of traditional forest management practices and by exploring novel ways of forest inventory these tried and true methods have the potential to be improved or enhanced, benefitting the overall forest management in the state. Previous studies show that multi sensor fusion techniques can improve individual dataset limitations and provide better results than with the use of any one sensor. However, this study found many challenges to real world implementation of these workflows.