Feedstock Logistics: Development of a Harvesting System for Short Rotation Willow and Hybrid Poplar Biomass Crops
by Dr. Timothy Volk (Research Associate, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Dr. Volk proposes a cycle for growing and harvesting willow trees for use in advanced biofuel production. The amount of usable biomass per acre is very high in woody biomass crops, and with careful site preparation and strategy, it can be a profitable investment. Dr. Volk shows the evolution of willow harvesting equipment (turning trees in the ground into woodchips) through their research, and strategies to reduce harvesting costs, including rotation length, field layout, and chip collection and transport. Finally, Dr. Volk details the effect of higher yield crops that may be created from breeding on internal rate of return.
The presentation includes several pictures of woody biomass harvesting equipment. READ MORE