Aberystwyth University recently hosted the Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) Future Leaders Network, as part of a GGR Demonstrator Roadshow.

In a recently completed project, a range of rapidly growing perennials, including alder and willow were harvested and processed, and then applied to horticultural land the following season, and the results were monitored.

Significant progress has been observed in the various biomass crops, but some of the newly sown varieties are have issues with emergence. We are still waiting to see how these fare. Overall, the hubs are seeing good crop development, with ongoing efforts to manage pests and weeds.

At the Edinburgh Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are progressing well overall, with many species like SRF Alder, Eucalyptus, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and good canopy development. However, some issues such as rust on SRF Alder and SRC Willow, as well as weed pressures in Miscanthus and Sida plots, indicate a need for continued management efforts.

At the Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are generally progressing well, with species like SRF Alder, Poplar, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and minimal pest or disease issues. However, some challenges such as rust on SRF Alder, insect damage, and weed presence, particularly in Miscanthus and Sida plots, require ongoing management to maintain crop health.

The crops at the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub are showing varied progress. Many species, such as SRF Alder, Poplar, and Miscanthus varieties, are demonstrating healthy growth with minimal pest and disease issues. However, some areas are facing challenges, including potential fungal infections in some SRC Willow varieties and high weed pressure in the Sida plot.

At the Chesham Demonstrator hub, most crops are progressing well, with SRF Alder and Poplar both in full leaf and looking healthy. Some maintenance activities, such as staking and weed control, have been completed for SRF Eucalyptus and SRC Willow, which is growing tall and vigorous. However, some challenges have been observed, including patchy germination in Reed Canary Grass and a weedy Silphium plot. Ongoing efforts include herbicide applications, mowing, and regular monitoring to manage these issues effectively.

At the North Wyke demonstrator hub site, most varieties, such as SRF Alder and SRF Poplar, are progressing well, with healthy growth observed. However, some challenges have been noted, including the need for further maintenance on SRF Eucalyptus and the poor establishment of some newly planted Miscanthus varieties. Ongoing tasks include weeding, replacing damaged guards, and monitoring germination in recently sowed crops like Reed Canary Grass and Switchgrass.

Issue #7 of the Connect Newsletter is now available. The Connect Newsletters contain updates on project activities, details of the latest events, and news from across the wider biomass industry.

The Aberystwyth Demonstrator Hub is showing steady progress, with most tree and grass varieties growing well. Inter-row mowing and maintenance activities like gapping up and spraying have been effectively managed, though some plots are a little patchy and weedy. The newly planted crops such as sida, switchgrass and Silphium are being a little slow to establish.