Crops Arable energy coppice - willow, poplar (Salix spp., Populus spp.)

The term arable energy coppice is applied to a highly-organised system of growing trees as a fuel source, taking advantage of the ability of certain rapidly-growing deciduous species to coppice freely, i.e. produce numerous new stems from the cut stump; a number of harvests of young wood may be obtained before the rootstocks lose their vitality. The species which are most suitable for this purpose within Europe are types of poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.). Both have been planted in the past for many purposes; as ornamentals, for shade or shelter, for the provision of timber for use as fuel, sawnwood, plywood and veneers, and for pulping and packaging. Considerable research effort has been expended in many countries during recent years to assess cultural practices and improve the stock, and some plantations are being made, particularly in Sweden, for the production of young wood as a commercial energy source. Some Eucalyptus species are possible alternatives in parts of Southern Europe, while birch (Betula spp.) may prove better suited in the far North.

For a Short rotation Willow Coppice - Growers Manual Click here

This entry forms part of the publication Crops for Industry and Energy in Europe

References:

Anthony, K R M, Meadley, J & Robellen, G (Eds) (1993) New Crops for Temperate Regions. London: Chapman & Hall

Carruthers, S P Miller, F A & Vaughan, C M A (Eds) (1994)Crops for Industry and Energy. Report No 15. Reading: Centre for Agricultural Strategy

Carruthers, S P Tranter, R B, Ansell, D J & Jones, P J (1988) A study to examine the feasibility of integrating forestry for energy with agriculture on farms in Great Britain. ETSU B 1165. London: HMSO.

Chisholm, C J (Ed) (1994) Towards a UK Research Strategy For Alternative Crops. Silsoe: Silsoe Research Institute.

Dietrichson, J (1994) Genetic improvement, pest & disease control and exchange, evaluation and joint testing for energy purposes. Proceedings of a joint meeting of the activity groups, Biri, Norway, Sept 4-9, 1994. Norwegian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Supplement No 18. As, Norway: Agricultural University of Norway Advisory Services.

Hall, D O & Overend, R P (Eds) (1987) Biomass: Regenerable Energy. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Palz, W, Chartier, P & Hall, D O (Eds) (1981) Energy from Biomass: 1st EC Conference. Luxembourg & London: Commission of the European Communities & Applied Science Publishers Ltd.

Viart, M (Ed) (1979) Poplars and Willows. Rome: FAO

Relevant EC funded projects:
AGRE-0057
AIR-0349
AIR-0682
AIR-1753
AIR-0985
AIR-0905
AIR-1661
AIR-1102
AIR-1571
AIR-2065
AIR-1678
AIR-1102
AIR-1617
FAIR-0424
FAIR-0512
THERMIE project ABRE