Sustainable Biomass Management in Forest Plantations.

The anticipated negative impacts of climate change coupled with the United States reliance on foreign sources of energy, have prompted the search for alternatives to fossil fuels. Utilizing forest biomass for biofuel and bioenergy production has emerged as a promising approach. The speed at which the entire biofuels/bioenergy industry is moving means that results are needed as quickly as possible. However, very little research has focused on how to simultaneously grow biomass for biofuel production while still managing for high quality wood products. Furthermore, the potential effect that this could have on long-term soil productivity and sustainability, water quantity and quality and wildlife is critical for the viability of such an intensive management system. As a result of this gap in scientific knowledge, several research studies have been established in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations throughout the Southeastern US that investigate the environmental effects of intercropping and/or biomass management. The studies are comparing the following treatments: 1) traditional loblolly pine plantation, 2) loblolly pine with switchgrass (intercropped) between the trees and 3) switchgrass planted on land previously managed as a loblolly pine plantation.

The research efforts that will be discussed will vary from the plot level/scale to the watershed scale and this information will be used to make inferences on the landscape scale. These efforts are being conducted in collaboration with universities and government agencies with the results being communicated to the scientific community through publications and presentations. The ultimate goal of these studies is to provide direction for developing guidelines and management practices for sustainable biomass production from loblolly pine plantations.