The role and significance of woody biomass plantations in Swedish agriculture

Abstract

The low profitability of agriculture, the greenhouse effect, acidification, the energy supply, ground water pollution, waste disposal and depopulation of the countryside are some of the problems in urgent need of solution not only in Sweden but in many other western countries. Naturally, there is no single solution to all these complex problems. However, by establishing plantations of fast-growing deciduous tree species on abandoned or surplus arable land it is possible to address many of these problems in a positive way. More than 15 years of research and development within the National Swedish Energy Forestry Program (NSEFP) have resulted in a new agricultural crop with a high potential for sound ecological and economic outcome. The further utilization of biomass plantations for environmental clean-up programmes and waste cycling is now developing on a regional and local basis. As a complement to pure energy plantations, mixed forest stands are discussed as multipurpose production systems for wood chips, short fiber and veneer. Key words: alternative crops, biomass plantations, energy crops, energy forestry, Salix, short-rotation forestry