Alley coppice—a new system with ancient roots

International audience& Context Current production from natural forests will not satisfy future world demand for timber and fuel wood, and new land management options are required. & Aims We explore an innovative production system that combines the production of short rotation coppice in wide alleys with the production of high-value trees on narrow strips of land; it is an alternative form of alley cropping which we propose to call 'alley coppice'. The aim is to describe this alley coppice system and to illustrate its potential for produc-ing two diverse products, namely high-value timber and ener-gy wood on the same land unit. & Methods Based on a comprehensive literature review, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of the alley cop-pice system and contrast the features with well-known existing or past systems of biomass and wood production. & Results We describe and discuss the basic aspects of alley coppice, its design and dynamics, the processes of competi-tion and facilitation, issues of ecology, and areas that are open for future research. & Conclusion Based on existing knowledge, a solid founda-tion for the implementation of alley coppice on suitable land is presented, and the high potential of this system could be shown

Two novel energy crops: Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. - State of knowledge

Current global temperature increases resulting from human activity threaten many ecosystems and societies, and have led to international and national policy commitments that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy crops provide one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and two novel crops that could be used for this purpose are Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. This research examined the existing scientific literature available on both crops through a systematic review. The data were collated according to the agronomy, uses, and environmental benefits of each crop. Possible challenges were associated with high initial planting costs, low yields in low rainfall areas, and for Sida hermaphrodita, vulnerability to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, under appropriate environmental conditions, both crops were found to provide large yields over sustained periods of time with relatively low levels of management and could be used to produce large energy surpluses, either through direct combustion or biogas production. Other potential uses included fodder, fibre, and pharmaceutical uses. Environmental benefits included the potential for phytoremediation, and improvements to soil health, biodiversity, and pollination. The review also demonstrated that environmental benefits, such as pollination, soil health, and water quality benefits could be obtained from the use of Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum relative to existing bioenergy crops such as maize, whilst at the same time reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Future research should examine the long-term implications of using Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum as well as improve knowledge on how to integrate them successfully within existing farming systems and supply chains