Welsh Government Launches Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme with Support for Biomass Crop Growers
November 27, 2024
The Welsh Government has launched a new Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme designed to support farmers and land managers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This initiative provides significant opportunities for those interested […]
Exploring Biomass Production: Coleg Sir Gâr students hear about sustainable farming with insights from Biomass Connect
October 10, 2024
At Coleg Sir Gâr agricultural students are gaining valuable insights into how biomass production can be integrated into modern farming practices. As part of their course, students studying for the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture had the opportunity to engage with Mark Needham, a representative from Biomass Connect, on Friday, 20th September.
Successful Greenhouse Gas Removal Future Leaders Network Demonstrator Roadshow at Aberystwyth University
October 02, 2024
Aberystwyth University recently hosted the Greenhouse Gas Removal (GGR) Future Leaders Network, as part of a GGR Demonstrator Roadshow.
Biomass crops as fertilisers
September 10, 2024
In a recently completed project, a range of rapidly growing perennials, including alder and willow were harvested and processed, and then applied to horticultural land the following season, and the results were monitored.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – July 2024
August 28, 2024
Significant progress has been observed in the various biomass crops, but some of the newly sown varieties are have issues with emergence. We are still waiting to see how these fare. Overall, the hubs are seeing good crop development, with ongoing efforts to manage pests and weeds.
Boghall Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
August 28, 2024
At the Edinburgh Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are progressing well overall, with many species like SRF Alder, Eucalyptus, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and good canopy development. However, some issues such as rust on SRF Alder and SRC Willow, as well as weed pressures in Miscanthus and Sida plots, indicate a need for continued management efforts.
Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
August 28, 2024
At the Ayrshire Demonstrator Hub site, the biomass crops are generally progressing well, with species like SRF Alder, Poplar, and SRC Willow showing healthy growth and minimal pest or disease issues. However, some challenges such as rust on SRF Alder, insect damage, and weed presence, particularly in Miscanthus and Sida plots, require ongoing management to maintain crop health.
Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
August 27, 2024
The crops at the Hillsborough Demonstrator Hub are showing varied progress. Many species, such as SRF Alder, Poplar, and Miscanthus varieties, are demonstrating healthy growth with minimal pest and disease issues. However, some areas are facing challenges, including potential fungal infections in some SRC Willow varieties and high weed pressure in the Sida plot.
Chesham Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
August 27, 2024
At the Chesham Demonstrator hub, most crops are progressing well, with SRF Alder and Poplar both in full leaf and looking healthy. Some maintenance activities, such as staking and weed control, have been completed for SRF Eucalyptus and SRC Willow, which is growing tall and vigorous. However, some challenges have been observed, including patchy germination in Reed Canary Grass and a weedy Silphium plot. Ongoing efforts include herbicide applications, mowing, and regular monitoring to manage these issues effectively.
North Wyke Demonstrator Hub Update – July 2024
August 27, 2024
At the North Wyke demonstrator hub site, most varieties, such as SRF Alder and SRF Poplar, are progressing well, with healthy growth observed. However, some challenges have been noted, including the need for further maintenance on SRF Eucalyptus and the poor establishment of some newly planted Miscanthus varieties. Ongoing tasks include weeding, replacing damaged guards, and monitoring germination in recently sowed crops like Reed Canary Grass and Switchgrass.
Latest Information Resources
Miscanthus for Livestock Bedding Factsheet
A double-sided factsheet with nformation about a project growing Miscanthus as animal bedding on one side, and some general Miscanthus facts and growing, establishment and harvesting information on the other side.Miscanthus for Animal Bedding and Miscanthus - A factsheet.
Type: Factsheet
Date: December 2024
Crop: Miscanthus
Keywords:
Growers Story: Eucalyptus and the Frost Challenge
This case study explores the problems faced by the Bodsworth's in a Eucalyptus plantation in Wales due to frost damage.
In a bid to explore biomass production for household heating and as a potential revenue stream, David and Susan Bodsworth of Tanllan Farm, Llangeitho, are keen to share their experiences with the farming community.
The Bodsworths’ story at Tanllan Farm highlights some of the challenges faced by farmers seeking to diversify into biomass production. David commented that although the Eucalyptus tree has a great potential for producing biomass, perhaps the location of his site was not entirely suitable.
Type: Case Study
Date: 12th December 2024
Crop: Eucalyptus
Keywords: Growsers Story, Eucalyptus
Presentation: Erisa Senerdem, Unlocking Agricultural Biomass Potential: Lessons from Forestry and Global Market Insights.
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Erisa Senerdem brings valuable insights from global biomass markets for agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse and palm kernel shells. Particularly pertinent were comments about the importance of product specification, seasonality of supply, price volatility and matching to end user technologies.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
Presentation: Steve Smith, Carbon dioxide removal – the state of play and the global scale up challenge.
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Steve Smith shared the findings of the “State of CDR” report, emphasising the global need for carbon dioxide removal technologies. Whether it’s trees, peatland restoration, biochar, wood products, or BECCS, the majority involve biomass in some way.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
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