3 - The contribution of energy crops to biomass production

Abstract

The environmental, social, and economic consequences of the use of fossil fuels have led in search for new-alternative energy resources, such as energy crops. These crops are believed that they could contribute to the innovation of agricultural production with multiple benefits for the farmers, the economy, and the environment. In this review, current and future potential contribution of energy crops as alternative energy sources was investigated in several countries worldwide. Deploying a literature overview upon contribution of energy crops in biomass production and balancing out the strengths and the weaknesses of each energy crop in different countries and climate conditions, our scope was that this study would benefit farmers, decision-makers, and researchers who are engaged at any way on the exploration and development of alternative and renewable energy sources.