Research Outputs

Innovative components

This paper discusses conditions under which changing the way residual biomass is handled is sustainable. Even though residual biomass was long considered a waste product without function, most traditional treatments do provide useful product, for example compost or energy. Residual biomass is now considered an important resource for bioenergy and bio-based products. But using biomass for new applications means losing traditional functions and is not automatically more sustainable. This paper discusses old and new biomass uses and conditions to ensure that changing the way biomass is handled is a step in the right direction.

Findings and implications to practice

Landscape managers increasingly want to use the residual biomass that is left after vegetation management. To maximise the benefits of using residual biomass we recommend that current and future biomass uses are compared with one another. These applications may contribute to sustainability in varying degrees. Comparison should include not only costs, but also impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, soil fertility, land use, and ecosystem services such as habitats and biodiversity.