INTRODUCTION
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Figure 1. Nine-year old hybrid poplar stand in the coastal region of North Carolina.
Short-rotation forestry is the use of fast-growing trees, especially hardwoods, for various commercial markets and environmental services. Several tree species have been bred and selected for rapid growth rates which allows short-rotation forests to be harvested after a short growing period, or “rotation,” in contrast to conventional forestry. Faster growth rates and shorter rotations potentially provides quicker returns on investments and reduced financial risks for various market opportunities, particularly markets that are not well-suited for conventional forestry rotations.
This handbook showcases current and emerging markets for short-rotation forestry with an emphasis on North Carolina and the southeastern United States. On some sites, pines may grow quickly, but most emerging markets are for fast-growing hardwoods. We define short-rotation forestry as managed plantations that are harvested within a 1-year to 15-year period after establishment. We provide information for several tree species adaptable to short-rotation forestry. We highlight Populus, referred to as “poplars,” as a strong candidate for short-rotation forestry because poplars are easily propagated and coppiced for regeneration. Poplars have rapid growth rates, (Figure 1) and there exists a rich diversity of cultivars and poplar clones for site-specific conditions and market products.
Figure 2. Proven and potential applications for short-rotation forestry.
Short-rotation forestry has many proven and potential applications (Figure 2).
High value wood products, including lumber and veneer
Production of energy feedstocks and biofuels
Production of fiber for paper
Environmental services: phytoremediation, land reclamation, site stabilization, and carbon sequestration
Horticultural uses
Why Consider Short-Rotation Forestry?
Promising potential markets: The United States continues to evaluate the efficacy of trees, especially hardwoods, for liquid transportation fuels. Progress is currently hindered by inexpensive fossil fuels, but world energy policy experts predict these markets will evolve, in part, to reduce climate change. In the Southeast, particularly North Carolina, wood pellet industries now provide fuels to global energy markets in Europe and Asia. Other potential markets include plywood veneer, specialized lumber markets, and animal bedding/litter. Growing pressures on natural hardwood stands and expected loss of forestland to urbanization offer new opportunities for fast-growing hardwoods to meet expanding energy and fiber demand. The global focus to mitigate climate change also offers opportunities for short-rotation forestry to generate carbon sequestration credits.
Income from final harvest sooner than more conventional forestry: Shorter rotations of fast-growing trees provide income sooner.
Ability to use degraded or marginal land: Several species of fast-growing hardwoods can be grown on sites where high-value, native hardwoods are not suitable, due to degraded site conditions and marginal soil quality.
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