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Effects of Management on Economic Profitability of Forest Biomass Production and Carbon Neutrality of Bioenergy Use in Norway Spruce Stands Under the Changing Climate

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Abstract

We analyzed the effects of management on the economic profitability of forest biomass production and carbon neutrality of bioenergy use in Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) stands under the changing climate. We employed a forest ecosystem model and life cycle assessment tool. In particular, we studied the effects of thinning, nitrogen fertilization, and rotation length on: (1) the production of timber and energy biomass, and its economic profitability (net present value), (2) carbon stock in the forest ecosystem and carbon balance in forestry, and (3) carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the use of biomass in energy production. Results showed that the current Finnish baseline management with and without nitrogen fertilization resulted in the highest mean annual timber production and net present value (NPV) for long rotations (60 to 80 years), regardless of climate scenario. Mean annual production of energy biomass was enhanced by increasing stocking by 20–30 % compared to the baseline management, and/or use of nitrogen fertilization. Such management gave lower CO2 emissions per unit of energy compared to the baseline management, as the carbon stock in the forest ecosystem and the carbon balance in forestry increased. Overall, the carbon neutrality and net present value were, on average, the highest in the baseline management or with a 20 % increase in stocking, with nitrogen fertilization and 60- to 80-year rotation lengths, regardless of the climate applied. However, it was not possible to simultaneously maximize the NPV of forest biomass production and the carbon neutrality of bioenergy use.

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Acknowledgments

This work was mainly financed through the Graduate School in Forest Sciences (GSForest), University of Eastern Finland (UEF), School of Forest Sciences. The work is also related to the ongoing consortium projects: (1) adaptation of forest management to climate change: uncertainties, impacts, and risks to forests and forestry in Finland (ADAPT) (UEF and Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), core funding by Academy of Finland); (2) sustainable bioenergy, climate change, and health (SUBI) (UEF strategic funding); and (3) wood-based energy systems from Nordic forests (ENERWOODS) (Nordic Energy Research, UEF and Finnish Environmental Institute participants). The FMI is also acknowledged for providing the current climate and A2 climate change scenarios for this work (especially Kimmo Ruosteenoja). Furthermore, Ari Venäläinen (FMI) is thanked for helpful comments for the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science and Forestry, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, 80101, Joensuu, Finland

    Piritta Pyörälä, Heli Peltola, Harri Strandman, Kilpeläinen Antti & Seppo Kellomäki

  2. Finnish Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 68, 80101, Joensuu, Finland

    Asikainen Antti

  3. Finnish Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 503, 00560, Helsinki, Finland

    Kirsti Jylhä

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  1. Piritta Pyörälä
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  2. Heli Peltola
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  4. Kilpeläinen Antti
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  5. Asikainen Antti
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  6. Kirsti Jylhä
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  7. Seppo Kellomäki
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Correspondence to Piritta Pyörälä.

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Pyörälä, P., Peltola, H., Strandman, H. et al. Effects of Management on Economic Profitability of Forest Biomass Production and Carbon Neutrality of Bioenergy Use in Norway Spruce Stands Under the Changing Climate. Bioenerg. Res. 7, 279–294 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-013-9372-x

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