Biomass fuel is living or recently dead organic matter, such as wood, used to power generators and often to heat homes.
It is the past, present, and future of renewable energy.<\/p>
Coppicing trees for a renewable source of wood is an ancient practice. Alder<\/a>, Hazel<\/a>, Sweet Chestnut<\/a> and Ash are all suitable for biomass as well, although they aren\u2019t as vigorous as the hybrid willows and poplars.<\/p> Where to grow Biomass Wood Fuel<\/strong> Preparing the Site<\/strong><\/p> Planting Distances for Willow & Poplar Biomass<\/strong> Planting Bio fuel<\/strong> Pest Control<\/strong> Cutting Back<\/strong> When to Harvest Willow & Poplar<\/strong> After Cutback & Harvesting Weed Control<\/strong> \n\t\t\t\t\u00a374.99\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\t\t\t\t\u00a339.99\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n\t\t\t\t\u00a3119.00\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Modern hybrids of willows<\/a> and poplars<\/a> grow very quickly and so are harvested more frequently, hence the name Short Rotation Coppice (SRC)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Willows will do very well in wet soil. In general, any moist soil that is slightly acidic to neutral is ideal. Dry sites aren\u2019t suitable. A sunny position is necessary for the best yields.<\/p>\n
The forestry commission recommends the twin row planting method. Each block of twin rows consists of two parallel rows 75cms apart, with the plants 59cms apart along each row. Each of these twin row blocks is 150cms apart from the next row block. This planting scheme allows 15,000 plants per hectare, which is very close to the optimal planting density.<\/p>
Willow and Poplar hybrids are delivered in short, unrooted cuttings (called setts) for easy planting \u2013 you just need to push them into the soil. Large scale planting is done with machines based on cabbage planters.
Planting should be done towards the end of the winter season, which is generally from mid-February in the South and in March in the North. The failure rate of setts planted earlier in the winter is higher, especially if the winter is either very wet or unseasonably dry.<\/p>
Leatherjackets (crane-fly larvae): If the area was grassy before it was ploughed and made ready for planting, there could be a problem with Leatherjackets attacking the roots of the new crop. One application of insecticide, before planting, is advised if there is a risk. In subsequent years, the crane flies will not lay new eggs.
Rodents: The best protection against rabbits & hares is a fence that has been dug into the soil. The fence can be temporary to save money, as the crop is only at risk of serious damage in the first year or two.<\/p>
Willow:<\/strong> At the end of the first year, cut the stems right down to a foot or so. This will encourage a denser stool of stems for cropping in the future.
Poplar:<\/strong> Poplar tends to product fewer extra stems after cutting back, so it is common not to cut it back until the first harvest.<\/p>
Harvest your crop soon after all the leaves have fallen. Harvesting is on a 2-4 year cycle, depending on how the site affects the vigour of the plants.
Willow is harvested more often than poplar. After the cut-back at the end of the first year, willow is usually harvested every 2 years. If the plants aren\u2019t at peak performance, they can be harvested every 3 years.
Poplar is less bushy than willow and takes longer to \u201ccapture\u201d the site (i.e. absorb as much sunlight as possible). It is usually harvested every 4 years, starting from the planting date, but it can be harvested every 3 years if the site is excellent.<\/p>
When you cut back the willow crops at the end of the first year and either crop at harvesting, you must use a residual herbicide to destroy the weeds that will try to take advantage of the sunlight reaching the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRelated Products\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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