Wood bioenergy systems in Canada

TL;DRAbstract

Th e development of woody short-rotation intensive-culture (SRIC) biomass productions systems is just beginning in Canada and presents a unique opportunity to engage farmers in growing a diff erent crop. Bioenergy production systems are feasible in Canada but will depend on selecting the right clones that are suitable to our climate zones and soils but that also produce satisfactory yields. Whether these systems can be sustainable in the long term is still uncertain as we have no trials to evaluate potential long-term productivity and nutrient cycling; however, current research suggests that fertilization may not be necessary in the short term when plantations are established on agricultural land. Among the obstacles for producer involvement in bioenergy systems is fi rst of all changing the farmer mindset that growing a crop for longer than 1 year is not an impediment to earning money. At one time or another, most farmers in the prairies have removed woody biomass on their farms to in

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