Question

How does the distribution of biomass change following a large-scale, high-severity fire that initiates a new stand of trees from scattered survivors in a (standing) collection of snags/dead trees and emerging shrubs. Where is the biomass distributed on day one, and in what relative amounts, and how does it change over time through the stages of stand dynamics?

Answer 1

Biomass – the fourth largest energy source after coal, oil and natural gas - is the largest and most important renewable energy option at present and can be used to produce different forms of energy. As a result, it is, together with the other renewable energy options, capable of providing all the energy services required in a modern society, both locally and in most parts of the world. Renewability and versatility are, among many other aspects, important advantages of biomass as an energy source. Moreover, compared to other renewables, biomass resources are common and widespread across the globe. Global production of biomass and biofuel is growing rapidly due to the increasing price of fossil fuels, growing environmental concerns, and considerations regarding the security and diversification of energy supply. There are many scenarios that predict a high potential for biomass in the future. There have also been many studies performed in recent decades to estimate the future demand and supply of bioenergy. Overall, the world’s bioenergy potential seems to be large enough to meet the global energy demand in 2050. The current stock of standing forest is a large reservoir of bioenergy and in line with the theoretical potential of biomass energy. However, most of the research studies on biomass potentials ignore existing studies on demand and supply of wood, despite the extensive literature and data on the subject. Taking into account data from a variety of international sources, rough estimates of the energy production potential of woody biomass from forestry show that, in theory, the demand for wood fuel and industrial roundwood in 2050 can be met, without further deforestation, although regional shortages may occur.Bioenergy is the most important renewable energy option, both at present, as well as in the near- and medium-term future. It will therefore play a crucial part in integrated systems of future energy supply and will be a valuable element of a new energy mix. Biomass has the potential to become the world’s largest and most sustainable energy source and will be very much in demand. Global energy trends, the prospect of irreversible climate change and demand for energy security highlight the need for a rapid transition to an energy system that is low-carbon, sustainable, efficient and environmentally benign. The search for energy alternatives involving locally available renewable resources is one of the main concerns of governments, scientists and business people worldwide. Bioenergy is attractive at all stages of development due to its potential integration with a wide range of development strategies around the world. Moreover, bioenergy is based on resources that can be utilized on a sustainable basis all around the world and can thus serve as an effective option for the provision of energy services. In addition, the benefits accrued go beyond energy provision, creating unique opportunities for regional development. Biomass – the fourth largest energy source after coal, oil and natural gas - is the largest and most important renewable energy option at present and can be used to produce different forms of energy carriers, thus providing all the energy services required in a modern society, both locally and in most parts of the world. Renewability and versatility are, among other things, important advantages of biomass as an energy source. Moreover, compared to other renewable resources, biomass is common and widespread across the globe. The sustainable use of biomass as an energy source requires comprehensive management of natural resources such as land and water. Unsustainable biomass production would erode the climate-related environmental advantage of bioenergy. It’s more important than ever to reliably demonstrate that the advantages of biofuels exceed the cost of the potential environmental damage caused by their production. Therefore, sustainable development of biomass and biofuels is the major challenge in increasing the production of biomass and biofuels. Criteria to ensure the sustainable production of biomass are urgently needed.