Biomass system model estimates of short-rotation hardwood production in Hawaii

Abstract

By coupling a short-rotation, intensive-culture (SRIC) biomass production model with a geographical information system and database, potential biomass supply (dry Mg) and delivered cost ($(dry Mg) −1) of three promising tropical hardwoods, Eucalyptus grandis, E. saligna, and Leucaena leucocephala, were estimated at all locations identified as potentially available for tree plantations on the island of Maui. Analyses were performed at two scales-island-wide (10 5 ha order of magnitude) for general land-use planning, and specific-site (10 2 ha order of magnitude) for field-level recommendations. The results are presented as yield and delivered cost maps and biomass supply curves for the entire island, and as management strategies depicted graphically as functions of growing space and rotation age that provide least-cost biomass feedstocks delivered from two specific field sites to a designated bioconversion facility on Maui. The methodology is a cost- and time-efficient means to provide useful information to land owners and other decision makers contemplating SRIC forestry as an alternative land use.