Energy Wood

Poplars and Willows for Quick Rotation

Quickly reproducible resources for ecological-value biomass production
Carbon-neutral heat and electricity generation
No competition with food manufacturers

Growing

in autumn, between defoliation and the first frosts (usually from October to December)
in spring, between late frosts (February-March) and sap starting circulation (April-May)
stick the cuttings (about 20 cm), sets (1-1.5 m), or rooted yearlings (1-2 m) into the ground at a depth of 10–20 m and firm the ground thoroughly
plant the sets as a single row or in two rows (40-80 pieces per a row) separated by a space of 2.5-3 m; 5 000 to 14 000 sets/ha
you should not require a great deal from your soil and climate (some species can be planted in quite low-grade soils); however, the yield will surely be better on good arable lands
planting: prepare the ground of aggregate structure; you can do that manually on small areas using a twine, while it would be more reasonable to use a plant setter on the areas of 2 ha or larger

Plant Protection

during the first year of planting, it is recommended to completely weed the ground if possible using mechanical or chemical means
no special protection is practically needed starting from the 2nd year

Fertilization

it is not a strict requirement to fertilize your lands, but the return is higher when the grounds are fertilized
don’t fertilize during the year of planting
we recommend you to fertilize with compost, manure, or ashes

Harvesting

during vegetation pause – from November to March
according to the group of sets and the species chosen, every 2-6 years (willows are harvested more frequently than poplars, denser groups are harvested more frequently than those with larger distances between plants, etc.)
you can use reconstructed stover choppers or some specially designed technical means to fully automate your harvesting; it would be reasonable to harvest wood industrially on areas over 3-5 ha
on relatively small areas, it is recommended to make the harvesting semi-automated using a chainsaw and a hauler
you can count on about 5 wood-procuring seasons (20-25 years of using the plants), then you should root up the trees and plant new sets
heating methods: standard heating using splinters and chips after one-year storage or drying, or entering a supply agreement with heating enterprises

Yield

10-15 tons of absolute dry material (absolute dry = dry weight) per ha yearly
the first yield is usually harvested, for poplars, in 6 years after planting, then harvesting may take place every 5 years

Price List

cuttings – from €0.18
sets – from €0.75
rooted yearlings – about €1.45, exclusive VAT and delivery

Legal Requirements

inform your local authorities or district administration up to 10 years after planting
please consider the distances between the neighboring ground areas: it is recommended to keep 3 to 10 m free (complying with the local legal requirements on plant species to be bedded out is a must!)

Energy Wood

Paper and power industries, as well as the community, are now in the increasing want of establishing new biomass production plants. This initiated the attempts to find alternatives for valuable species used as firewood. The so-called ‘quick-rotation wood’ (‘energy wood’) of the fast-growing species planted on farm fields or on main cultivated areas represent a very valuable and actual alternative of raw material supply in the nearest future. The commitment of the industry and by Bundesforste (Austria’s federal forestry) as related to this lack of fuels is also confirmed by the support they actively provide to the areas of quick-rotation woods through implementing various know-hows and signing permanent acceptance contracts.

Availability

Our poplar cuttings represent the carefully selected products of our own plant breeding.

Due to the fact that our nursery-garden is situated at 570 m.a.s.l., the cuttings are quite well-hardened and ‘armored’ against harder winters.

You are kindly requested to make your orders in advance for us to plan the demands for cuttings for the upcoming season.

Then we should determine with you the number of cuttings necessary for your planting area and the best delivery terms.

Other Energy Crops

Along with a number of species of willows and poplars, we (together with some local partners) also breed and sell the Miscanthus (Chinese silver grass, or elephant grass). At your request, I will send you a free brochure containing all important data on this topic!

Besides, we develop breeding extensive stock, such as Galloway, or pork-and-lard type swine breeding, for direct meat supplies.

Contact Details

Reinhard Sperr, Senior Gardener

Gegend 20
A-4894 Oberhofen am Irrsee
Austria

Tel./fax: +43/(0)6213/69 956
Mobile: +43/(0)664/53 25 487
E-mail: infoagentur.netenergiepflanzenagentur.netat