This Australian research quantified the amount of biomass residue that could be available for bioenergy use.The research was carried out by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) of the Australian Government. The report (RIRDC Publication No. 11/177) is titled “Determining Biomass in Residues Following Harvest in Pinus radiata Forests in New South Wales”, and was authored by F Ximenes, J Ramos, H Bi, N Cameron, P Singh and M Blasi. The research aimed to calculate the amount of different biomass fractions in logging residues, and determine the costs of using this resource. The intention was to determine whether this underutilised material could be used without compromising site nutrition or soil factors.
Total above-ground biomass was analysed. The results showed that the above-ground biomass varied depending on site quality and silvicultural treatment. Residual biomass constituted between 13 and 25% of the above-ground biomass. Waste logs and branches of greater than 80 mm (3.15 in) made up 35% of the residue biomass. However, less than 40% of the research sites had sufficient residue biomass to be considered for harvesting with a separate dedicated system, with the result that integrated systems that simultaneously harvest the conventional product and the residues are preferred.
Even though the research showed that residue biomass is available, it was still not economical to harvest and transport under the current market conditions in the study area. The publication is free-for-download from the web, and should be consulted for a more complete account of the research. Source: https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/11-177