Intensification of wood production in short rotation coppices (SRC) by implementing fast growing varieties and irrigation

Marginal arable land and additional unused property which is not available for food production could be utilized for the production of energywood. The efficiency could be raised considerably if fast growing cultivars were planted and irrigated.

Background and Objective

The culture of fast growing tree species (poplar, willow, aspen, Robinia, Alder a.o.) shall be intensified by selecting fast-growing cultivars and cultivating them under irrigation, especially in the Berlin region.

Approach

There is a large area potentially usable for SRC if irrigated. Up to 30 dry tonnes per ha can be produced under favorable conditions. The increasing demand for bioenergy and the higher efficiency justify the additional input. However, data is not available to evaluate the profitability of such intensive production in the Berlin region.

Thünen-Contact

• Liesebach, Mirko Institute of Forest Genetics

Involved Thünen-Partners

• Schneck, Volker Institute of Forest Genetics
• Wühlisch von, Georg Institute of Forest Genetics

Duration

7.2012 - 6.2015

More Information

Projekt type:
Funding program: Innovationsförderung
Project status: finished

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