Biotech Updates

Shrub Willow as Bioenergy Crop

May 15, 2009
http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/3702/willow-planting-shows-bioenergy-crop-potentia
http://www.esf.edu/willow/

The Bioenergysite website reports that researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) (Syracuse, New York, United States) are planting a 2.5 acre field of shrub willow. The trials which will attempt to show "the potential of shrub willow to grow on marginal agricultural land and provide wood chips that can be used as fuel in power plants, for heating, and as a feedstock for cellulosic biofuel". Shrub willows are reportedly being developed as a short-rotation woody (bioenergy) crop in temperate countries for the following reasons: (1) short-period, high biomass production, (2) ease of vegetative propagation, (3) broad genetic base, (4) ability to sprout after multiple harvests, (5) environmental and rural development benefits. According to Mary Wrege, a renewable energy educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, "There is great potential to grow bioenergy crops in Oneida County, but farmers need to be convinced the system works before they commit to planting the crop and companies need enough producers to be assured of sufficient fuel or feedstock supply."

Related information:
Sustainability Assessment of Willow Biomass Crops
http://www.esf.edu/willow/pdf/2004%20esa_sustainability.pdf
Life Cycle Energy, Environmental and Economic Performance: Willow for Biomass Energy
http://www.esf.edu/willow/pdf/journals/Keoleian%20and%20Volk%20%202005.pdf