Problems encountered in log depots and measures to combat them: A review

The aim of this review is to examine the problems encountered with logs kept in depots and the measures recommended to correct them. Biotic, abiotic, and other factors can affect the quality and quantitative properties of stored logs. Biotic factors include fungi (decay/rot fungi, stain fungi, and mold), insects (wood, bark, and ambrosia beetles), and bacteria. The climatic conditions of ultraviolet (UV) light, wind, and temperature at the storage site can be considered as abiotic factors. In addition, storage problems may be caused by business management, inadequate training and qualifications of depot personnel, and the type of depot floor/ground. Measures to counteract these factors were examined in detail, as a result of field observations and literature studies. The solutions presented included: shortening the storage period and expanding winter production rather than maintaining year-round storage, bringing production planning in line with the needs of the sector and providing sufficient training to workers and technical personnel, as well as increasing the sale of standing trees, separating earlier- and later-felled products in depot areas, installing pheromone traps, and ensuring proper drainage and maintenance of depot grounds. Additional measures to be taken in factory warehouses included water sprinkling and holding logs in water (ponding).