Effect of planting biomass crops on soil carbon
- Biomass crops accumulate relatively large quantities of below and above ground biomass which is made of carbon sequestered from the atmosphere.
- The frequent harvest of above ground biomass enhances vigorous shoot regeneration and root turnover, which enhances soil carbon stock.
- Biomass crops after establishment, require no tillage during the lifetime of the plant, which enhances soil carbon stock by minimising disturbance to the soil.
Type: Factsheet
Author: Nana Afranaa Kwapong
Date: 30th Jan 2023
Crop:
Keywords: Carbon, Soil Carbon, Biomass Crops
Effects of Biomass Crops on Soil Carbon – Click to download Factsheet [PDF – 2MB]
Latest Technical Articles
Presentation: Crops to Products
Slides from a recent Biomass Connect presentation by Jeanette Whitaker from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Type: Presentation
Date: December 2023
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Crops, Uses, Products, End Uses, Environmental Uses
Field Report: Comparing bird communities in willow and Miscanthus crop fields
This report outlines a three-day bird survey conducted at two farms, one in Devon and the other in Somerset. One farm had a mixed age willow crop, while the other had a miscanthus crop. The aim of the surveys was to record and map the birds seen at each farm to see what benefits each crop may have for different species.
Type: Report
Date: 25th January 2024
Crop: Willow, Miscanthus
Keywords: Willow, Miscanthus, Biodiversity, Birds
Case Study: SRC Willow – self supply and use in a farm-scale community heating scheme
This case study features a successful farm-scale community heating scheme using short rotation coppice (SRC) willow as a fuel source. The project has been cost-effective and provided a range of benefits, including energy self-sufficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and potential biodiversity enhancements.
Type: Case Study
Date: 4th December 2023
Crop: Willow
Keywords: Willow, Case Study, Farm
Why integrate Biomass Crops into Agroforestry Systems?
When incorporated into agroforestry systems, biomass crops contribute in various ways, including, support for pollinator populations, biodiversity enhancement, flood risk reduction, minimized runoff and soil erosion, improved water quality, increased soil carbon sequestration, improved soil health and contribute to climate change mitigation
Type: Technical Article
Date: 23rd November 2023
Crop:
Keywords: Agroforestry