Growing Short-Rotation Woody Crops for Bioenergy: Environmental Considerations.

Production of bioenergy from cellulosic sources, including short-rotation woody crops (SRWC), is viewed as a favorable component of advancing development of green energy alternatives. Silvicultural practices designed to maximize SRWC productivity frequently include relatively intensive site preparation, planting of genetically improved or modified stock, fertilization, irrigation, and chemical control of weed, insect, and disease pests. Effects of this rapidly evolving bioenergy production system on other ecosystem attributes including water quantity and quality, soil quality, and biodiversity deserve serious consideration for effective development of long-term sustainability scenarios. Environmental outcomes of currently used and projected SRWC systems for bioenergy production will be discussed in this presentation.