Recent developments in shrub willow crops in the U.S. for bioenergy, bioproducts and bioremediation

摘要

Short-rotation woody crops like shrub willow are projected to be an important source of biomass in the U.S. for the production of bioenergy, bioproducts and biofuels. Almost three decades of research has focused on the development of shrub willow crops for biomass and for ecosystem services in multifunctional systems. The current expansion of willow (about 500 ha) for the production of renewable power and heat has been possible because of incentive programs offered by the federal government, commitments by end users and the development of reliable harvesting systems. Improvements in the economics of the system are expected as willow production expands, which should help lower establishment costs, improve crop management and improve efficiencies in harvesting and logistics. Deploying willow in multifunctional value-added systems provides opportunities for both potential growers and end users to learn about the system and quality of the biomass feedstock, which will help remove barriers to deployment.