Short rotation woody coppices for biomass production: An integrated analysis of the potential as an energy alternative

Short rotation woody coppice (SRWC) cultivations of species like poplar, eucalyptus, or willow are promising options for biomass production, insofar that high biomass productivities, averaging 12–14 Mg ha−1 year−1 are possible, with heating values varying from 16 to 19 MJ kg−1, along with environmental positive effects such as increases in soil fertility or carbon sequestration. SRWC cultivations can last by about 20 years or more, corresponding to 4 to 7 cycles coppice rotation periods of 2 to 5 years, and subjected to intensive management regimes with requirements of herbicides, fertilizers, or irrigation lower than food crops. SRWC cultivations can be installed in marginal lands and, due to positive effects on soil, contribute to upgrade of site quality, including posterior installation of food crops. Overall, these cultivations are considered carbon neutral, with reductions of greenhouse gases of 90% to 99%, comparatively with emissions from coal fired power stations. The biomass production of SRWC cultivations is dependent on factors such management regime, harvesting practices, weed competition, or plant density and rotation time. Biomass from SRWC cultivations along with biomass conversion units shows a decisive potential for contributing to boost economies of rural areas. In this context, this chapter intends to make an integrated evaluation of the cultivation techniques in the field, from the nursery to farm gate, with some focus on topics such as biomass production modeling or genotypic stability along with fuel aptitude of biofuels from SRWC, with a significant focus on information obtained by research carried out by the authors.