Establishment of a Biomass Production Strip to Promote Biodiversity
Among the possible habitats favorable to beneficial organisms and biodiversity, there is the establishment of biomass production strips.
Description
Strips of miscanthus, short rotation coppice (willow...), switchgrass are developments that have the dual benefit of providing income to the farmer while offering a refuge for wildlife.
They are harvested at the end of winter, so the impact of harvesting on small wildlife is minimal. These developments are interesting for lowland wildlife when implemented in strip form. Indeed, they create ecological corridors (green networks) essential for the movement of insects. The benefit is to provide protective cover during the winter season for lowland wildlife[1].
These strips should in most situations not exceed 6 m in width.
In areas with a high density of large game, these strips can encourage their confinement in lowlands, potentially leading to increased damage in crops. It is not recommended to carry out this type of development there.
Which covers to use?
| Miscanthus | Willow | Switchgrass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedoclimatic requirement | Temperate climate | 600 to 1000 mm of water per year.
Non-wet plot. |
Sowing on well-warmed soil.
European climate. |
| Plant density | 10,000 plants/ha | 15,000 plants/ha | 20 kg/ha |
| Establishment cost/ha* | €3500/ha | €2500/ha | €1600/ha |
| Harvest frequency | 1/year | 1/3 years | 1/year |
| Average yield | 10 to 13 t/ha | 6 to 12 t/ha | 15 t/ha |
| Lower heating value (kWh/kg) | 4.2 to 4.4 | 3.6 | 4.3 |
| Harvesting method | Classic Kemper | Specific harvesting head:
approximately €85,000 |
Ordinary Mower |
| Lifespan | 20 years | 20 years | 10 years |
* This cost should be compared with the potential income per hectare and the plant’s lifespan.
Possible outlets
Currently, these crops are mainly used for industrial or collective biomass when supply chains are structured. Biomass can also be used as mulch for vegetable crops or for livestock.
Sources
- ↑ 1 FDC76 ;2017. Interest of ligno-cellulosic strips in agricultural environments for small soil fauna, OAB, 48p
Appendices
- Redirect Modèle:Pages liées
