In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Zoe Harris, demonstrates the use of aeroponics as a cutting-edge propagation method for willow.

In this presentation Paul Carver introduces the innovative synthetic seeds (CEEDS) and novel Miscanthus varieties developed by New Energy Farms.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Tim Volk provides a comparative view of the willow industries in the USA and UK, emphasising the critical role of people and relationships and how we must cultivate these alongside the supply chain and technical advancements.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Kevin Lindegaard (Envirocrops) introduces decision-making tools and an educational game to help aspiring biomass crop growers evaluate their options.

A short video presented by Mark Needham evaluating the viability of Miscanthus as a bedding material for livestock. With insights into the harvesting, storing and processing of the Miscanthus crop as well as the suitability as a bedding material.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Kerrie Farrar outlines the Miscanspeed project.

In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 7th November 2024, Ian Shield outlines the Accelerating Willow Breeding and Deployment (AWBD) project.

Introduction to the AFBI Project using willow strips as biofilters to improve water quality.

Read the full Case Study here: Case Study: Biofiltration blocks of Short Rotation Coppice willow used for riparian protection to reduce nutrient run-off into the water environment.

Steve Hunt (Bio Global Industries Ltd.) discusses the barriers for biomass products and end-uses at the Biomass Connect Demonstration Event at the Newcastle Cockle Park Farm Demonstrator Hub.

Theme 3: Biomass products and end-uses

There was on display a range of biomass products including fencing poles from black locust, Miscanthus bedding materials, compost, willow, wood chip, briquettes, and pellets. Discussion focused on these products, markets, challenges and opportunities and future uses of biomass.

Steve Hunter from Bio Global Industries (BGI) provided a summary of the group discussion, noting that:

a major barrier was finding markets for biomass products. With woodchip, there is a limited market, mainly local biomass stations, or biomass boilers, and very few local markets. Miscanthus is mostly used for animal bedding and supplied to specific boilers that can utilise the material. smallholder farmers find it difficult to tie in with industry, who require large volumes of biomass. It’s a chicken and egg situation, as markets and alternative end-uses of biomass products are needed to encourage the growing of biomass crops.

Yit Arn Teh (Newcastle University) discusses integrating biomass crops into current farm practices at the Biomass Connect Newcastle Demonstration Event.

Theme 1: Integrating biomass crops into current farm practices Quick wins, easy opportunities and low-hanging fruit

The ease of integration may depend on how similar or different the specific crop or practice is to current management. For example, grassy biomass crops are likely to be more easily integrated into current farming practices given that their biology/physiology is more like that of arable crops and the equipment needed to manage them is also similar; this means that farmers will require less investment of time or money to incorporate these grassy crops into their farming practice. Integration of woody biomass crops could be more challenging if the planting schemes are very different from current practices; for example, it may be more difficult to convince farmers to use woody biomass crops in a silvoarable agroforestry planting scheme (unfamiliar/new use) compared to using these plants for hedgerows and shelterbelts (familiar/”conventional” use).

Use of biomass crops for marginal fields may be an easy sell, provided that the benefits or income that farmers receive from biomass crops outweigh any costs.

Some farmers are currently using grassy biomass crops (e.g. Miscanthus, reed canary grass) for bird shelter for game birds. Many farmers are familiar with the need for riparian zone management and the use of woody plants to manage water quality and reduce soil erosion around riverbanks; the use of biomass crops for this purpose would fit within existing paradigms and management frameworks.

Given the high price of straw and problems around weed management, biomass crops may represent a good alternative for producing animal bedding.