This area explores the biological and technological processes by which intensive plantations are grown, harvested, and converted into usable biomass and other forest products. Research has examined species selection, rotation schemes, and harvesting techniques to maximize yield while maintaining soil health. By comparing different feedstocks and management regimes, the group has identified optimal combinations of fast-growing species, fertilization rates, harvesting intervals, effects on soil, water and biodiversity, and many other ecosystem services that balance productivity with enhanced environmental sustainability. [Explore]

Supply-chain studies focus on the logistics of moving biomass from field to end user. This includes collection, preprocessing (e.g., chipping, drying), storage, transport, and distribution. The group has mapped out cost-effective transport networks, assessed the tradeoffs between decentralized versus centralized preprocessing facilities, and modeled how seasonal variability affects storage requirements. Insights help planners design resilient, low-loss supply systems that keep delivery costs down and ensure reliable feedstock availability. [Explore]

We have developed simulation tools and decision-support models to guide long-term forest planning. By integrating growth and yield models with economic and ecological criteria, they enable managers to forecast stand development under various thinning regimes, rotation ages, and harvesting intensities. These models help strike a balance between timber production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and renewable-fuel supply, supporting sustainable multi-objective forest management. [Explore]

We have examined how households, industries, and governments adopt and respond to bioenergy technologies and incentives. Surveys reveal barriers and drivers at the farm level, econometric models uncover interdependence between wood fuels and other renewables, and policy-design studies test subsidy-tax mixes and stakeholder processes. Expert elicitation projects gauge confidence in renewable-energy targets, highlighting the importance of coordinated incentives, capacity-building, and participatory policy frameworks to accelerate the bioenergy transition. [Explore]

Natural and anthropogenic disturbances—such as pests, diseases, wildfire, and storms—can drastically alter forest productivity and biomass availability. The group’s studies quantify how outbreaks (e.g., bark beetle), extreme weather events, or fire regimes influence stand structure and fuel loads over time. By modeling disturbance risk and post-disturbance recovery, they provide guidance for adaptive management practices that mitigate losses and maintain a stable supply of forest biomass. [Explore]

Forest conflicts arise when multiple groups, such as indigenous and local communities, commercial interests, government agencies and conservationists, vie over forest land and resources. These disputes often stem from unclear or overlapping land‐tenure systems, where customary rights clash with statutory laws, leading to disagreements over access, harvesting and management. We have studied the development, ocurrence and patterns of forest conflicts globally, particularly when linked to the intensification of forest management for the extraction or over-exploitation of natural resources [Explore]