A review of the impacts of Short Rotation Coppice cultivation on water issues

Abstract

Cultivation of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) with poplars (Populus sp.) and willows (Salix sp.) for production of biomass for heat and/or electricity is energy effective and coincides with several environmental objectives. Since an increase of cultivation of poplar and willow SRC has been projected in Europe, the consequent implications on water issues arises. For instance, water use of SRC can be higher compared to annual agricultural crcps or previous set-aside land, but water quality can be improved The paper examines such implications based on a review of the existing scientific literature. Rates of evapotranspiration (V(ET)) of SRC are reported to be fairly higher than arable crops, but reported values vary markedly and are related to site-specific factors such as the local precipitation and conditions (e.g soil type, temperature, groundwater level), the species/sorts and the age of the crop, and their interactions. Despite the predicted local effects on water balances, effects on water balances/hydrology on catchment levels have not been reported or justified This, combined with the reported positive effects of SRC on groundwater quality in terms of nutrient leaching, imoly average positive effects of SRC on water issues, if the identified potentially negative impacts would be considered and minimized. For this, comparisons of V ET between SRC and arable crops, and the relation of V ET with local precipitation and other local factors (root development, groundwater availability) should be better examined and combined with positive effects of SRC on groundwater leaching compared to other crops Upscaling of water issues for SRC is needed to promote future decision-making processes with respect to the envisaged broadening of SRC on productive but also on marginal soils.