Combining a land surface model with life cycle assessment for identifying the optimal management of short rotation coppice in Belgium

Abstract: Poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.) short rotation coppice (SRC) are attractive feedstock for conversion to renewable electricity. Site managers typically optimize biomass production at their sites. However, maximum biomass production does not necessarily equate an optimal CO2 balance, water use and energy production. This is because many operational actions consume water and energy and emit CO2, either on-site or off-site. Coupling a land surface model (ORCHIDEE-SRC) with life cycle assessment enabled us to determine the optimal management for SRC in Belgium. We simulated... Mehr ...