Aerial Fertilization

Fertilizing a large forest area may seem like an almost impossible task to perform with precision. However, by applying fertilizer from the air with a helicopter, we can cover up to 140 hectares per day. The results are immediately visible through a GPS-generated digital map.

As a forest owner, costs for final harvesting and thinning are unavoidable. However, by applying fertilization at strategic points in the forest’s development, you can significantly boost growth and increase returns at harvest.

For example, with a final harvesting horizon of 8 to 10 years, a fertilization applied today can increase growth by approximately 20 cubic meters per hectare by the time of harvest — representing an annual return exceeding 10%.

A well-timed fertilization may also allow for an additional thinning during the forest’s growth cycle, improving overall productivity and forest health.

The fertilization process begins with a notification to the Swedish Forest Agency, specifying nitrogen dosage and application schedule. A typical application includes approximately 550 kg of fertilizer per hectare — of which 150 kg is nitrogen, with the remainder being dolomitic lime, binding agents, and other components.

Pricing for a specific site is provided as a quote, taking into account distance, location, and other factors. As a general guideline, the estimated cost is around SEK 3,000 per hectare for an average forest stand in terms of size and location.

Examples of clients include Forest Vital (Oy) in Finland, as well as Sveaskog and Norra Skog.

Are you a forest owner looking to optimize your forestry operations?
Kallax Flyg offers professional helicopter services for aerial fertilization and forest inventory. With extensive expertise and advanced technology, we help maximize growth and monitor forest conditions. Fill out our contact form today to request a quote and discuss your needs. Let us be your partner in sustainable forest management.