Short rotation forestry

摘要

Short rotation forestry (SRF) is the practice of growing trees in plantation, usually for use as fuel. Trees are grown until they reach a butt size of 15 to 20cm, and are about 10 to 15m tall. Depending on the species and the site potential, this would take between eight and 20 years. After felling, the stumps can be coppiced for another growth cycle or the area can be replanted or changed to another use. It has been identified as a useful alternative for marginal arable or pasture-land. SRF would never be countenanced on sites such as ancient woodland.Engaging in SRF may bring opportunity costs in changing the land use from agriculture. The cashflow of SRF requires substantial investment at the outset, limited investment during the rotation and yields a large revenue at felling. It has a much longer cycle than for arable crops or livestock. Furthermore, the cost of stump removal may lower land values as options are ruled out without stump removal, which may be costly.