Short-rotation Energy Plantations Research Articles

Economic Modelling of Poplar Short Rotation Coppice Plantations in Hungary

No study has been previously completed on the range of sites, potential yield, and financial characteristics of poplar short rotation coppice plantations (SRC) in Hungary. This paper conducts a literature survey to reveal the biomass production potential of such plantations and presents a model that is used to analyze their financial performance. The results indicate that the break-even-point of production is between 6 and 8 oven-dry tons per hectare per year once a minimum cost level and wood chip price within a 10% range of the 2020 value are considered. The higher the wood chip price, the lower the break-even-point. Since the model excluded the administrative costs that depend on the type and size of the management organization, the break-even-points can be significantly higher in reality, which suggests that short rotation energy plantations can be a financially reasonable land-use option in above average or even superior poplar-growing sites. The rotation period of industrial poplar plantations that produce high quality veneer logs ranges from 12 to 25 years. Though such sites can provide higher returns on investment, short rotation plantations have the advantage of providing a more evenly distributed cash flow. To facilitate the wider application of poplar SRC, the related policies need to apply specific subsidies and allow the rotation cycle to be extended up to 20–25 years, which is currently limited to 15 years.

Bat community response to intensification of biomass production for bioenergy across the southeastern United States.

Human demand for food, fiber, and space is accelerating the rate of change of land cover and land use. Much of the world now consists of a matrix of natural forests, managed forests, agricultural cropland, and urbanized plots. Expansion of domestic energy production efforts in the United States is one driver predicted to influence future land-use and land management practices across large spatial scales. Favorable growing conditions make the southeastern United States an ideal location for producing a large portion of the country's renewable bioenergy. We investigated patterns of bat occurrence in two bioenergy feedstocks commonly grown in this region (corn, Zea mays, and pine, Pinus taeda and P. elliottii). We also evaluated potential impacts of the three major pathways of woody biomass extraction (residue removal following clearcut harvest, short-rotation energy plantations, and mid-rotation forest thinning) to bat occurrence through a priori land-use contrasts. We acoustically sampled bat vocalizations at 84 sites in the Southeastern Plains and Southern Coastal Plains of the southeastern United States across three years. We found that mid-rotation thinning resulted in positive effects on bat occurrence, and potential conversion of unmanaged (reference) forest to managed forest for timber and/or bioenergy harvest resulted in negative effects on bat occurrence when effects were averaged across all species. The effects of short-rotation energy plantations, removal of logging residues from plantation clearcuts, and corn were equivocal for all bat species examined. Our results suggest that accelerated production of biomass for energy production through either corn or intensively managed pine forests is not likely to have an adverse effect on bat communities, so long as existing older unmanaged forests are not converted to managed bioenergy or timber plantations. Beyond bioenergy crop production, mid-rotation thinning of even-aged pine stands intended for timber production, increases to the duration of plantation rotations to promote older forest stands, arranging forest stands and crop fields to maximize edge habitat, and maintaining unmanaged forests could benefit bat communities by augmenting roosting and foraging opportunities.

Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment of Arable Crop Production Technologies Compared to Different Harvesting Work Systems in Short Rotation Energy Plantations

Abstract Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was developed as a tool for sustainable, decision-supporting environmental management. Applying agricultural sector-LCA in order to achieve both internal (comparative) and external (efficiency enhancing) benefits is a priority. Since the life-cycle assessment of products and processes attracts great interest, applying the method in agriculture is relevant. Our study undertakes a comparative environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) of local arable crop production technologies used for the main cultivated plants: maize, sunflower, lucerne, cereals, and canola (environmental data in the territorial approach calculated on a 1 ha unit and in the quantitative approach calculated on 1 t of produce). We prepared an environmental inventory of the arable crop production technologies, constructed the life-cycle models, and executed the impact assessment. We also compiled an environmental ranking of technologies. In the impact interpretation, we compared the results with the values of short rotation energy plantations in each impact category. We analysed carbon footprints closely. The obtained results help better assess environmental impacts, climate risks, and climate change as they pertain to arable crop production technologies, which advances the selection of appropriate technologies adjusted to environmental sensitivities.

Carbon Footprint of Different Harvesting Work Systems in Short Rotation Energy Plantations

Abstract Almost half of the total area of Hungary is arable land. Nearly one-third of this area is poor-quality arable land where agriculture would be uneconomical. Energy plantations can be grown extremely well on poor-quality land. Currently, the carbon neutrality of wood as a raw material must also be justified, considering several factors. Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) was developed as a tool for sustainable, decision-supporting, environmental management, which is an outstanding tool for the well-established analysis of environmental impacts, although the application of it in forestry remained a challenge for the LCA community. No sector specific LCA and life cycle inventory methodology has been developed in forestry; thus, implementing such a methodology remains a big challenge. Calculated on a common functional unit (100 m3/ha wood chips, 100% energy purpose), we have performed a comparative environmental life cycle assessment for harvesting technologies of short rotation energy plantations (technology related to stands of 3 ha of poplar, 5–10 ha of willow, 20 ha of willow), specifically for the third year harvesting work system. Research results on global warming potential show the carbon footprint of harvesting work systems, the knowledge of which has a strong influence on the environmental consideration of raw material (wood chips) and also on the more precise definition of carbon sequestration capacity. The typical values of carbon balance ratio (1.37–1.46) indicate a positive carbon sequestration potential and a magnitude well within the system boundaries of the third year harvesting work system submodule. The results obtained enable the estimation and prediction of environmental impacts for the whole lifecycle of the plantation.

Alternative biomass strategies for bioenergy: implications for bird communities across the southeastern United States

AbstractConcerns over energy demands and climate change have led the United States to set ambitious targets for bioenergy production in the coming decades. The southeastern United States has had a recent increase in biomass woody pellet production and is projected to produce a large portion of the nation's cellulosic biofuels. We conducted a large‐scale, systematic comparison of potential impacts of two types of bioenergy feedstocks – corn (Zea mays) and pine (Pinus spp.) – on bird communities across the southeastern United States. In addition, we evaluated three biomass alternatives for woody biomass from pine plantations: thinning, residue harvest, and short‐rotation energy plantations (SREPs). We conducted transect counts for birds in eight different land uses across the region (85 sites), including corn fields, reference forest, and plantation forests, 2013–2015. We then used hierarchical occupancy models to test the effect of these biomass alternatives on 31 species. Across all species, birds had lower rates of occupancy in corn fields compared to pine stands. Thinning had positive effects on the average occupancy across species, while residue harvest and the potential conversion of conventional plantations to SREPs had negative effects. Cavity nesters and species with bark‐gleaning foraging strategies tended to show the strongest responses. These results highlight the potential negative effects of corn as an energy crop relative to the use of pine biomass. In addition, harvesting biomass via thinning was a bird‐friendly harvest method in comparison with other alternatives. While SREPs may negatively impact some bird species, previously reported yields emphasize that they may provide an order of magnitude greater yield per unit area than other alternatives considered, such that this land‐use practice may be an important alternative to minimize the bioenergy impacts across the landscape.

Evaluation of Changes in Tree Morphology Parameters, Biomass Yield, Chemical and Energy Properties at Three Spacings of Short Rotation Energy Plantations of Gmelina arborea in Costa Rica, from 1 to 2 Years of Age

Tree diameter and height, yield and chemical and energy properties increment throughout two different ages (1- and 2-year-old) were evaluated in Gmelina arborea trees growing in short rotation woody crops at three sites and three spacings (0.5 × 1.0, 1.0 × 1.0 and 2.0 × 1.0 m). The results showed great variation in parameters evaluated in relation to site, whereas for spacing the results were regular. Diameter, height and biomass yield increased in 2-year-old trees at all sites and spacings. The higher increments were observed in the 0.5 × 1.0 m spacing at sites 2 and 3. Biomass distribution in the different parts of 2-year-old trees showed increased biomass in the trunk and branches, and reduced biomass in leaves. The study of biomass properties showed increments in the specific gravity and reductions in the moisture content (MC) of trunk and branches, but MC of bark was regular. The increment in specific gravity and volatile contents was highest in the 0.5 × 1.0 m spacing, while MC of trunk, branches and bark, heat calorific value and ash content decreased. Carbon and nitrogen contents were irregular throughout spacing and sites. It was determined that at 2 years of age, Sites 1 and 2 presented normal behavior of Gmelina arborea in SRWC conditions, and in the Site 3 the changes produced improved the quality of biomass for energy purposes.

Harvesting eucalyptus energy plantations in Brazil with a modified New Holland forage harvester

Modified foragers represent a cost-effective option for harvesting high-density short-rotation energy plantations. However, new energy plantations grown in Brazil far exceed the stocking and the stem size characterizing plantations in the Northern hemisphere, which raises the question about the ability of modified foragers to perform effectively. A study was conducted on five eucalyptus plantations, located in different Brazilian States and spanning over a wide range of work conditions in terms of clone, age, planting density and row system (e.g. single or twin rows). Field stocking varied between 90 and 157 t ha−1, and breast-height diameter between 5 and 8 cm. The tests were conducted with a New Holland 9060 forager, equipped with a 130 FB energy wood header. This machine was capable of negotiating all test fields, and reached a productivity on these sites between 39 and 65 t h−1, which was comparable with the productivity values recorded in Europe and North America. The machine coped well with the high field stocking and stem size levels encountered in Brazil. Blockages accounted for a very small proportion of total harvesting time, which was similar to that recorded in studies conducted on poplar and willow in the Northern hemisphere. Productivity was directly proportional to field stocking and target chip length. Changing target chip length from 30 to 20 mm resulted in a 20–30% reduction in productivity. These figures reflect work conditions in uncoppiced first-rotation plantations, and they should be applied with some caution to following rotations.

Potential of Biomass Based Electricity Generation in Sri Lanka

Biomass has attracted much attention as a primary energy source for electricity generation due to its potential to supply low cost fuel source with considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. Despite having favorable climatic conditions to grow and use biomass for electricity generation, biomass based electricity generation in Sri Lanka is lagging behind due to many reasons. Many countries rely on the agricultural or forestry by-products or residuals as the main source of biomass for electricity generation mainly due to the comparatively low cost and sustainable supply of these by-products. Sri Lanka does not have this advantage and has to rely mainly on purposely grown biomass for electricity generation. Development of short rotation energy plantations seems to be the best option available for Sri Lanka to produce biomass for commercial scale electricity generation. The highly favorable growing conditions, availability of promising tree species and a variety of plantation management options and significant environmental and socio-economic benefits associated with energy plantation development greatly favor this option. This paper examines the potential of using plantation grown biomass as a fuel source for electricity generation in Sri Lanka.

Biomass yield and energy potential of short-rotation energy plantations of Gmelina arborea one year old in Costa Rica

Short-rotation woody plantations have been recently established in Costa Rica and Gmelina arborea has gained popularity The present work assesses tree diameter and height, biomass distribution, specific gravity, green density, moisture content, calorific value, ash content, volatile materials, carbon, nitrogen, extractives and production of energy in one-year-old short-rotation energy plantations of G. arborea in three different sites in Costa Rica, planted under three spacings (0.5×0.5m, 1.0×1.0m and 2.0×2.0m). The results showed that the properties evaluated presented little variation due to spacing. The variations by site and spacing in the properties of the biomass and its characteristics could be easily observed by multivariate analysis. According to this analysis, one site excelled with the best energy characteristics, while spacings of 0.5×0.5m and 1.0×1.0m show higher energy and biomass production in the three sites. Regarding the study of the characteristics and distribution of biomass in different parts of the tree, differences were found in initial moisture content, calorific value and volatile materials between the trunk, branches or bark. The highest percentage of biomass is concentrated in the trunk and branches. Finally, it was concluded that the species G. arborea produces similar amounts of biomass compared to other short-rotation energy crops.

The role of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in establishment of short-rotation energy plantations in Hungary

Establishment of short-rotation energy plantations for fuel production has been of international interest for many years. Energy plantation experiments in Hungary have been conducted for a longer time. In the country black locust ( Robinia ps eudoacacia L.) is one of the most important stand-forming tree species, covering approximately 23% of the forested land (410 000 ha) and providing about 19% of the annual timber output of the country. This fast growing species seems to be suitable for energy plantations as well. So, in Helvecia (Central­ Hungary, sand-soil region) two energy plantation s were established u sing common black locust and its cultivars improved in Hungary. The spacing variations of the common black locust were: l.5x0.3 m, I .5x0.5 m and l.5x 1.0 m. At the age of 5 the closest spacing ( 1.5x0.3m) produced the greatest annual increment in oven-dry weight (6.5 t ha·1 yr- 1). In the trial with black locust cultivars planted in spacing of 1.5xl.0m, at the age of 7 the highest annual increment in oven-dry mass was produced by the cultivar ' Ulloi' (9.7 t ha-1 yr- 1) followed by the common black locust (8.4 t ha-1 yr- 1) and the cultivar 'J tiszkiseri (1.6 t ha·1 yr- 1). The trials have verified that in temperate climate the increment in oven­ dry dendromass of black locust energy plantation s has ranged from 6 to 12 t ha·1 yr·1. On the basis of the trials' evaluation the quantity of dendromass mostly depends on site quality, species and cultivars, as well as on the initial spacing (plants per hectare).

Establishment of short rotation energy plantations as an alternative possibility in less favoured areas

Based on the examinations we see a possibility of introducing alternative landuse systems. A certain part of the mostly grain growing lands with weak productivity could be used for short rotation energy plantations. The conditions for the introduction of these plantations are given in the area. The biomass plantations established for wood chips production purposes provide an economic alternative for the farmers of less favoured agricultural areas. However environmental impacts are to be studied and sustainable structures to be established forsuccessful long term operations.

Biomass for energy, food and materials in an industrial society of 10 billion people

In this paper we analyse the requirements of bioproductive land in a future industrial society of 10 billion people, with an average per capita economic standard comparable to that of the industrialized countries of today. Despite significantly more efficient technology, lowering demand for both energy and material per service delivered, requirement for food and material alone will call for a heavily increased demand for bioproductive land for use in agriculture and forestry. Large areas of short rotation energy plantations may be biophysically possible, but will clearly compete for available bioproductive land with agriculture and silviculture, as well as with preservation of the world's biodiversity. Therefore, the notion that there exists large areas of surplus or degraded land, which, without coming in conflict with food production and preservation of biodiversity, can be used for large energy plantations has not fully taken into account possible increased demand for bioproductive land from global industrialization and the raising of the global average economic standard.

Nutrient dynamics in Leucaena, Acacia and Eucalyptus, short rotation, high density (‘energy’) plantations in arid India

The nutrient budget in soil and vegetation, and the rates of nutrient recycling in high density (‘energy’) plantations in arid climate of north-western India (29°10′N latitude, 75°46′E longitude, 215 m.a.s.l.) were estimated. The amounts of nutrients were highest in the vegetation of 4-year-old stand of Leucaena leucocephala : N, 1159; P, 62; K, 563; Ca, 478 and Mg, 134 kg ha −1 ; the values were two-fold greater than the stand of Acacia nilotica and three-fold higher than that of Eucalyptus tereticornis . Leaves had the highest concentrations of nutrients followed by fruit and bark. Maximum amounts of nutrients were stored in the branches of A. nilotica and L. leucocephala , and in boles of E. tereticornis . The transfer of nutrients through litterfall in the stand of L. leucocephala was significantly ( p <0.05) higher than in the remaining two species. In 8-year-old stands, nutrient contents in vegetation and their recycling rates through litterfall increased markedly, while rates of nutrients accumulated as the vegetation decreased. The enrichment quotients of vegetation were maximum for N, P and Mg in L. leucocephala and for K and Ca in E. tereticornis . Greater quantities of nutrients in the stands were in the soil compartment except phosphorus. Soil phosphorus may become a limiting factor in maintaining high productivity in subsequent rotations because boles and branches are completely removed from the ecosystem. The results are important in soil fertility in short-rotation energy plantations in arid climates.

Short-Rotation Energy Plantations in North Central United States: An Economic Analysis

Abstract Interest in using intensive silviculture to produce high yields of biomass for energy has increased remarkably in the north central region of the United States. The North Central Forest Experiment Station is cooperating with others in establishing trial plantations throughout the north central region to obtain accurate estimates of biomass yields and costs of producing biomass for energy. The financial attractiveness of two woody biomass plantation alternatives for agricultural land was investigated—a basic short-rotation intensive culture plantation system on average agricultural land and a system on erodible agricultural land that is eligible for government financial incentives. Early growth from selected trial plantations has been greater than expected. However, with the recent energy glut in the United States, forecasted prices that potential users of woody biomass would be willing to pay have gradually decreased because of declining fossil fuel prices. In light of these two recent changes, the system on average agricultural land resulted in a negative financial performance while the system on erodible agricultural land with government financial incentives resulted in a positive financial performance.

Energy Plantations in North Central United States: Status of Research and Development Plantations

Abstract Research over the past two decades has developed a system of growing trees under short rotations using agronomic cultural techniques. The trees can be used for fuel or for various fiber and chip products. Short-rotation energy plantations require moderate to good quality agricultural soils of medium texture, complete tillage before planting, good hybrid stock of the Populus genus, good weed control during the 2- to 3-year establishment period, and periodic fertilization, primarily with nitrogen. Hybrid poplars can yield as much as 7 dry tlaclyr, although 4 to 5 dry tlaclyr is probably a more achievable yield under large-scale production. These yields are based on total above-ground biomass, excluding leaves. Increased production and use of wood energy have a number of advantages, of which the most important are (I) a neutral or slightly positive impact on atmospheric CO2 balance, (2) an alternative cash crop for farmers, and (3) increased energy self-sufficiency. A network of plantations has been...

Increased funding boosts biomass prospects

A review is presented of federal funded biomass conversion energy projects. These include studies into short-rotation energy plantations, thermochemical conversion of municipal wastes and fermentation of biomass to ethanol.