Opportunities and challenges of woody biomass harvesting practices in the Southeastern region of the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Southern US has the potential to make a significant contribution to the global bioenergy market by producing woody biomass feedstock. Despite extensive research on the technical and economic aspects of biomass production in the Southeastern region, most studies didn’t incorporate the social aspects of forest stakeholders. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of forest stakeholders toward biomass production, consumption, and overall biomass market conditions. We conducted online surveys of biomass producers and consumers using Qualtrics software and found that, on average, 30% of the total harvested volume was made up of small-diameter trees. The main reasons for harvesting biomass were improving the aesthetic value of the site, increasing total revenue, and diversifying the business. Trucking distance with an average haul distance of 84–140 km (one-way), limited local markets, equipment availability, machine and labor costs, and production costs were ranked as biomass producers’ five major challenges. If there were more profitable options with better logistics, shorter transportation distances, and lower production costs, most of the producers (strongly agree = 56%, agree = 34%) would be willing to harvest more biomass. As for consumers, 80% of pellet producers, 33% of heat combustion plants, and only 14% of power combustion plants intend to expand biomass consumption over the next five years. Moreover, stakeholders’ occupation type, tract size, length of ownership, years of consuming biomass, and consumption rate affect biomass production and consumption decisions.