Digitizing tree marking operations: a comparative field performance evaluation of the RFID technology for timber traceability

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into forest management represents a promising approach for improving timber traceability and supporting sustainable forest operations. Among these technologies, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are considered one of the most effective solutions for monitoring and managing forest resources. However, the long-term field validation of RFID applications under operational forest conditions remains limited. Based on a two-year field experiment, this study evaluates the performance and reliability of the RFID technology as a digital tool for timber traceability, harvest monitoring, and illegal logging prevention in tree marking operations. The experiment was conducted in a mixed stand dominated by spruce, fir, and beech in the Eastern Carpathians (Lunca Bradului Forest District, Mureș County, Romania). A total of 184 trees were equipped with RFID tags using two installation methods: manual insertion and pneumatic insertion systems. The monitoring results demonstrated the long-term operational stability of the RFID tags under real conditions, confirming their suitability for tree identification and traceability applications. The comparative assessment highlighted the feasibility of both installation methods for equipment adaptation to forest-specific environmental conditions. The findings indicate that RFID technology can significantly support forest management digitalization by improving timber traceability, harvest control, and transparency in wood supply chains. However, large-scale implementations require further optimization of operational protocols for practical deployment in forest management systems.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Journal of Forest Engineering, 2026 · DOI ↗