Input-output analysis of energy requirements for short rotation, intensive culture, woody biomass

Abstract

A production model for short rotation, intensive culture (SRIC) plantations was developed to determine the energy and financial costs of woody biomass. The model was based on hybrid poplars planted on good quality agricultural sites at a density of 2100 cuttings ha −1, with average annual growth forecast at 16 metric tonne, oven dry (Mg(OD)). Energy and financial analyses showed preharvest costs of 4381 megajoules (MJ) Mg −1 (OD) and $16 (U.S.) Mg −1 (OD). Harvesting and transportation requirements increased the total costs to 6130 MJ Mg −1 (OD) and $39 Mg −1 (OD) for the delivered material. On an energy cost basis, the principal input was land, whereas on a financial basis, costs were more uniformly distributed among equipment, land, labor, and materials and fuel.