Forestry
New Thinking
Scion: Pathway to biofuels through forests
Energy from forests is one of New Zealand's best options for producing its own biofuels is the conclusion of Scion's second "Bioenergy Options for New Zealand" report.
Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality
Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.
Scion wins MAF contract
Scion has been awarded a MAF contract to measure the carbon footprint of the entire forestry industry supply chain. The year-long project will develop methodologies and tools to help the forestry industry better understand and mitigate its total environmental impact.
Splendour in the grass?
What do you find if you go down to the woods today? A lot more than we ever thought say biodiversity experts from Ensis. New Zealand’s 1.8 million ha of exotic plantation forests are a surprise refuge for many native plants and animals – including rare and endangered ones.
CSIRO and Scion recommit to Ensis
New Zealand Crown Research Institute Scion and Australia's CSIRO have confirmed their commitment to continue their science collaboration, developed through their joint venture Ensis, in the forest and forest industries research domain.
New Science
Gorse a potential water pollutant
It's been a thorn in the side of landowners for many years, but now new research from Scion has uncovered another reason to view gorse as a problem weed.
GE trees felled but the science continues
Fifty-five genetically modified Pinus radiata were cut down today by Scion at the conclusion of their live field trial. However, environmental impacts research will continue at the site in Rotorua.
No Environmental Impact from Genetically Modified Research Trees
Results from New Zealand's most comprehensive, independent scientific field trial of genetically modified trees support the argument that GM trees are low-risk and can be safely introduced into the environment, with no negative effects on other organisms.
Productive developments for New Zealand's forests
Scion has developed key soil and environmental indicators which will ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s forests. Now and for the first time, forest managers can assess and maintain the productivity of their forestry sites.
Scion sheds light on insect control
Most people turn off the lights to keep creepy critters away. But Scion is turning them on. The Crown Research Institute is trialling yellow lighting systems as a means of repelling insects, research which could reduce the need for methyl bromide treatments at wood processing sites.
Science supports forest regeneration
Scientific research being carried out by Landcare Research in the Ngāi Tūhoe forests in the central North Island is delivering valuable knowledge about indigenous forest ecosystems and giving Maori landowners tools to restore and preserve their native forest resource
Non-plastic fantastic
Our world is hugely dependant on petroleum-based plastics and other non-renewable materials. But renewable “biofibres” such as wood, flax or hemp could take over – and sooner than many think. Scion, a Crown Research Institute, wants to realise products that are made with less energy, do the job at least as well, and ultimately don’t grow the landfill.
Building kiwi homes to withstand shakes
With almost 400 earthquakes large enough to be felt each year, and thousands more either too small or too deep to be felt, how can New Zealand homes and building be safe enough without incurring earth-shattering costs? New earthquake loading standards in the Building Code call on latest GNS Science knowledge to deliver strength at a realistic budget.
New Value
Crown Research Institute success in MacDiarmid Awards
Two Scion scientists have won recognition in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Karen Love won the Master's Award while Dr Tripti Singh was runner-up in the Adding Value to Nature category.
New Zealand research expertise sought at international renewable energy conference
Dr Tom Richardson, chief executive of Crown Research Institute Scion, is this week presenting New Zealand research into the role of forestry in producing renewable energy, at the U.S. Government hosted Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008).
Rain puts dampener on Scion's experimental burns
Whilst most of New Zealand has been praying for rain this summer, Scion's fire researchers have had more than their fair share of it. Experimental burns taking place on Mount Torlesse in Canterbury have been plagued by bad weather, but despite this, useful information has been collected to help in the fight against wildfires.
Forestry attracts major funding boost for research
A new entity known as Future Forests Research Ltd (FFR), formed by the New Zealand forest industry and Crown Research Institute, Scion, is driving a major expansion in forestry research activity. The exciting new industry/research partnership has attracted a funding commitment of over $20 million from Government and forest growers. This funding will enable more research into the role of plantation forestry in protecting the environment as well as generating economic wealth for New Zealand.
Let's twist again...
Actually, let's not. Spiral grain in plantation pine causes the dried timber to twist badly, but help is at hand with the development by Industrial Research of an ingenious assessment device for wood quality...
