Intensive short rotation forestry in boreal climates: present and future perspectives

Abstract

Short rotation forestry (SRF) is regarded as a silvicultural practice employing high-density plantations of fast-growing tree species on fertile land with a rotation period of fewer than 10–12 years. I address the challenges and possibilities of SRF applications under the circumstances of a boreal climate, today as well as after anticipated climate change. The implications of a pronounced winter season for the performance of biomass crops are discussed. Poplars, aspens, and willows are superior in boreal SRF because of their fast growth rate in combination with good cold hardiness. These trees can enrich the coniferous forests of boreal regions and increase biodiversity in open agricultural landscapes of the boreal zone. Further, SRF plantations can serve as tools for the amelioration of environmental problems at local (e.g., phytoremediation) and global (e.g., increased greenhouse effect) scales. The biomass yields achieved in boreal SRF and the appropriate production systems appear do not appear to be principally different from warmer regions, but there are some differences with respect to the importance of fertilization, appropriate spacing, and rotation length. The major barriers for a rapid development of SRF appear not to be climatic, technical, or environmental constraints in many boreal regions.