Sustainable Biomass Value Chains Based on Poplar Plantations in European Rural Areas

Abstract

The present special issue highlights the chances and addresses the main challenges for short rotation coppices (SRC) with poplars (Populus spp.) as agricultural crops for the sustainable bio-economy. The current public perception of planting more trees on Earth as a climate mitigation action is accompanied by controversial discussions about sustainability and biodiversity of tree plantations. In contrast to many industrial plantations in the tropics, agricultural tree cropping with site-adapted tree species in the temperate zones of the world follows an agroforestry concept towards more sustainability. Disturbed land that needs remediation and underutilised agricultural land resources in rural areas can significantly benefit from SRC operations. Operated as low energy-input biomass production ecosystems, these crops can significantly improve the habitat value for flora and fauna due to their perennial character, acceptance of ground vegetation below trees, erosion control, and strong reduction of spraying and fertilising.

Citation

Meyer, Matthias; Tavares Wahren, Filipa; Weber, Norbert; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Weih, Martin. 2021. Sustainable Biomass Value Chains Based on Poplar Plantations in European Rural Areas. BioEnergy Research. 14(2): 355-356. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-021-10275-3.