In Lithuania the main renewable energy sources used for heating is biomass. In order to increase the use of biomass for energy purposes, the forest logging residues, short rotation coppice production are used – wood and wood products. The main purpose of this study was to estimate dry aboveground biomass which could be harvested from short rotation woody energy plantations in Lithuania. The investigations were conducted in the plantations of the most common species in Lithuania – willow (Salix viminalis L.), and the temporary plots method was used. Field studies were carried out in six commercial willow plantations with different soil types and fertiliser applications. In each selected plot, the diameter of each stem was measured with a calliper at 55 cm height above soil surface. Stems were cut in the field in order to measure height and fresh mass. The dry mass of stems was measured in the laboratory. The study findings showed that the potential aboveground biomass of willow amounts from 1.97 to 9.64 t/ha per year in Lithuania. The first harvesting of willow is recommended not older 5–6 years age.
Keywords: biomass, energy plantations, willow (Salix viminalis L.), productivity
Authors
Šilinskas B.
Forest Resources, Economics and Policy Department, Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
Škėma M.
Forest Resources, Economics and Policy Department, Institute of Forestry, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
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