A set of newly published studies evaluated nearly 40 years of data on the impacts of biomass utilization on soil, tree, and plant recovery and found minimal impact using certain forest harvesting techniques.
“In the early 1970’s there was a growing concern that high levels of biomass removal would deplete these ecosystems of vital nutrients and organic matter and negatively impact the long-term health of forests—that is what fueled this research,” said Deborah Page-Dumroese, lead scientist on the study from the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.
The studies show that with proper use of low-impact logging techniques, intensive biomass utilization from forests can be done with few long-term impacts to the site. “This is great news for those interested in the green economy and the ability of forest biomass to contribute as a low-carbon alternative,” said Christopher Keyes, a lead scientist on the study from the University of Montana.
Click here for source (Biomass Magazine)
Image Credit: FIEA
