Australia can be prominent in the development of bioenergy industries. Energy tree cropping can be designed to integrate with agricultural enterprises across the wheat belt farming areas without compromising food and fibre production or security of water supply. Source: Timberbiz
Mallee eucalypts are an ideal woody crop for biomass production in the extensive Australian cropping and grazing regions, and are endemic in many locations.
After being harvested they re-generate readily by re-shooting (coppicing) from their rootstocks. Through repeated harvesting, Mallee biomass can be a relatively secure long-term source of renewable energy.
Economic studies conducted by the Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FFI CRC) demonstrate that energy tree crops have the potential to add financial returns to existing agricultural enterprises.
By growing Mallee trees in skillfully designed layouts on less than 10 per cent of the property, enough cash flow is generated from the sale of biomass to cover establishment costs within the first cycle of five years.
This financial payback is achieved with minimal trade-off in cereal crop production and water use.
The advent of a price on carbon will further enhance the economic viability of energy tree cropping for farmers and investors.
Well-planned tree belts also provide additional benefits such as wildlife habitat, shelter, salinity mitigation and erosion control.
From the Aurora and Delta Electricity Trials, energy tree establishment protocols have already been developed and skilled contractors and consultants engaged to ensure professional crop establishment and management.
An energy tree cropping workshop (Integrating Mallee into Farming Systems) is to be held on 2 August at The Lake Cowal Conservation Centre (LCCC) in West Wyalong New South Wales. More information from John Larkin, Aurora Research on 0418 254 or email [email protected]
