Sustainable biomass production in agroforestry systems
Date
2012-03-13
Authors
Schroeder, W.
Stefner, C.
Inoye, G.
Pickering, I.
de Gooijer, H.
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Poster Presentation
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Abstract
Research conducted in 2007 through 2009 on the occasional biomass harvest from willow rings
could provide balanced co-existence between agriculture and wetlands. This would provide
biomass feedstock while preserving the wetland for future generations. The focus of the research
will be on the sustainable production of biomass in agroforestry systems. The goals of this
research project are to determine the impact of biomass harvest on re-growth of willow rings;
evaluate the feasibility of mechanical harvest using a bio-baler; determine the biomass yield and
production costs; and quantify fuel characteristics of harvested willow. Results have shown that
the bio-baler tested can efficiently harvest biomass from willow rings at a rate of 6.5
tonnes/hour. The re-growth of the willows was rapid and was not impacted by the harvest.
There are thousands of hectares of wetlands and surrounding willow rings available on the
Canadian landscape for harvesting at a reasonable cost of production. The willow ring biomass
harvested is suitable for small scale heating systems. Additional research will be conducted on
the utilization of the biomass harvested from willow rings as a bioenergy source to supply a
biomass boiler for heating purposes at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Agroforestry Development Centre (ADC) in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. This research will
include the economics and environmental aspects and will consider the life cycle analysis.
Description
Keywords
willow rings, bio-baler, wood chips, biomass boiler
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Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop