Short rotation coppice is an agricultural crop of high yielding trees, productive over about 20 years, mostly used for energy production. After the harvest, the strains produce new stems: a new rotation begins!
Two culture modes
- Very short rotation (VSRC), with a planting carried out at high density (10,000-15,000 cuttings per hectare), usually in double rows, fast growing species (willow, poplar) and crops spaced 2 to 3 years.
- Short rotation (SRC), with a planting carried out at low to medium density(1,000-4,000 cuttings per hectare), in mono-row, more varied species (willow,poplar, alder, birch…) and crops spaced 5 to 10 years.
What are the uses with harvested wood?
The harvested wood will be used mainly as agrofuel in chips. The wood obtained during longer rotations can also be upgraded into certain material applications (pulp,plywood, wood fibre insulation boards, paper, cardboard and lightweight packaging).
Environmental benefits
Short rotation coppice is recognised as an Area of Ecological Interest (AEI) under the CAP. It does not require fertilisation or phytosanitary products, which contributes to the protection of groundwater. It can contribute to fight erosion by improving the infiltrability of the soil and by restraining muddy flows. Finally, favourable to biodiversity, it allows the creation of ecological corridors.