Short rotation woody crop plantations in Brazil and the United States

Abstract

The Short Rotation Woody Crop (SRWC) concept has been applied in the establishment of experimental and commercial plantations in both the United States and Brazil. The SRWC concept involves the application of agricultural principles to the production of tree crops for fiber or fuel. Although extensive SRWC research has occurred in the United States during the past 10 to 16 years, commercial applications have been rather limited. On the other hand, Brazil has made considerable progress in producing SRWC on a large-scale commercial basis while simultaneously conducting research. It seems clear that both countries can gain from each other's experience in SRWC experimentation and commercialization. This paper discusses and compares SRWC system developments in both countries and suggests means of improving and expanding SRWC systems use.