Short rotation woody crops biomass production

The development and use of biomass resources for bioenergy has become a critical priority in North America, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere (US DOE 2011; Zalesny et al. 2011; Kiser and Fox 2013). Rising concerns about long-term energy security, human health, global climate change, and a variety of other social and environmental concerns have combined to make developing renewable and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels a critical national priority (Abrahamson et al. 1998; NRC 2000; Verwijst 2001; Hoogwijk et al. 2005; Volk et al. 2011). The global energy supply of biomass has been predicted to range from 100 to 400 EJ yr by 2050 (Berndes et al. 2003). Under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) detailed in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, the U.S. economy is mandated to use 136 billion liters (bl) of renewable transportation fuel per year in its transportation fuel supply by 2022. Of that 136 bl yr, 75 bl yr is mandated to consist of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels (US EISA 2007). It is expected that, in some regions of the globe, short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) will be a critically important feedstock supply in meeting those goals.