Report
Integrated biomass residue management in Sandalwood Plantations: IEA Bioenergy Task 43
IEA Bioenergy
2021
Abstract
Sandalwood plantations in Australia offer a unique opportunity in the supply of woody biomass into regional bio-hubs in support of the circular economy. The plantations are established in such configurations that for each sandalwood tree planted, on average two long-term host trees are planted to support the growth of this hemiparasitic crop. As a result, a significant proportion of the aboveground biomass in the plantation is not a sandalwood product and is considered to be waste. To support emerging local and regional biomass markets and to improve the sustainable management of the tropical sandalwood plantation resource, this study explores the potential availability and market feasibility of integrated biomass supply for bioproducts. A desktop biomass assessment was performed to ascertain indicative market viabilities by determining biomass quantities from plot based-measures and developing host species-specific aboveground biomass profiles. These species profiles and the unique planting configurations were combined and extrapolated across the sandalwood plantation estate to estimate the current and project woody biomass profile of the plantation. Results indicate that at a mature age (15 years), up to 10 oven-dry tonnes of woody biomass is potentially available per hectare of sandalwood plantations. Increasing host species selection and optimised planting configurations may enable increased biomass availability. This work was made possible with the support of QUINTIS (Australia) Pty Limited and lays the groundwork for future productive research outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Integrated biomass residue management in Sandalwood Plantations: IEA Bioenergy Task 43
- Authors
- Sam Van Holsbeeck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research CentreDavid Lee (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Industries Research CentreKen Robson (Author)
- Publication details
- 27 pages
- Publisher
- IEA Bioenergy
- Date published
- 2021
- Organisation Unit
- Forest Industries Research Centre; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99745898702621
- Output Type
- Report
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