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Unit 2: Southern Bioenergy Resource
Introduction

Majestic trees, abundant wildlife, camping, wildfires, and timber production: all of these terms invoke thoughts of forestlands. Biomass, organic matter available on a renewable basis, is not one of the first things that come to mind when forests are mentioned. Yet, the forests of the Southern United States provide a large renewable supply of biomass in the form of logging residues, small diameter trees, mill residues, and even short rotation woody crops.

Why should we care about this excess biomass?

 
   

Forest biomass can be used for generating electricity, producing biofuels, and producing biochemicals. Rising fuel costs, uneasiness about energy supplies, and dependence on foreign energy sources make renewable natural energy alternatives more attractive. Increased utilization of forest biomass can reduce dependence on non-renewable energy feedstocks while also reducing wildfire potential, slowing climate change, mitigating declining pulpwood markets, and improving forest health and sustainability.

Logging Residues

Bugwood.org
Lessons in this unit include:
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: June 2, 2008