The Southern Bioenergy Resource
Majestic trees, abundant wildlife, camping, wildfires, and timber production: all of these terms invoke thoughts of forestlands. Biomass, organic matter available on a renewable basis, is not one of the first things that comes to mind when forests are mentioned. Yet, the forests of the Southern United States provide a large renewable supply of biomass in the form of logging residues, small diameter trees, mill residues, and even short rotation woody crops.
While some of the material typically classified as "non-commercial" or not "merchantable" is currently being utilized, a large portion of this renewable natural resource is not utilized. Residues from the forest products manufacturing process are commonly used to create energy for the forest products industry.
Logging residues from commercial harvesting operations are typically left at the harvest site. Small diameter trees from thinning operations have traditionally entered into the pulpwood supply chain, but declining markets have limited this practice. As a result, these trees are either not harvested or necessary silvicultural thinnings are delayed, frequently resulting in overcrowded stands susceptible to fire, insects, and disease.
Why should we care about this excess biomass? Forest biomass can be used for generating electricity, producing biofuels, and producing biochemicals. Rising fuel costs, uneasiness about energy supplies, and dependence on foreign energy sources make renewable natural energy alternatives more attractive. Increased utilization of forest biomass can reduce dependence on non-renewable energy feedstocks while also reducing wildfire potential, slowing climate change, mitigating declining pulpwood markets, and improving forest health and sustainability. Forest biomass resources can also be used to create bio-based products. These are industrial products, other than feed or food, that utilize biological products, forestry materials, or renewable domestic agricultural (marine, plant, and animal) materials (USDA-ARS-BBCC 2003). These products include adhesives, solvents, plastics, inks, and lubricants.
Worldwide summary data from 1997 show that about 85% of global bioenergy consumption is in the form of firewood and charcoal to address heating and cooking needs. Most of the remaining 15% is black liquor, a by-product of the pulp and paper manufacturing process. This black liquor is used by the forest products industry to produce heat, steam, and electricity for a variety of purposes (IEA Bioenergy Task 31 2000). A startling difference exists between developing and developed countries. In Latin America, Africa, and Asia the prevalent use of bioenergy is for firewood and charcoal. In North America, Europe, and Japan bioenergy is primarily used for industrial purposes.
The following sections provide a background and understanding of biomass in the Southern United States. These sections include:
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