65a67d99__Biopower_in_the_United_States__4
[0] Loblolly pine (example of fast-growing softwood grown as a row crop for bioenergy or multiple purposes ) [1] 8,000-9,120 [2] 3-7 dry tons/acre/year; harvested every 20-40 years [3] 30 million acres of southern pines already are being managed in southern U.S. Somewhat higher energy value than poplars and willows Grows better than poplars and other hardwoods on marginal coastal plains and flatwoods soils Valuable to landowners as a low-intensity crop with multiple markets [5] Well suited for thermal technologies to generate electricity and ethanol Conversion to liquid fuels is possible with acid hydrolysis and as a co-product of pulp fiber production Less fertilization required than for agricultural crops [4] 
Pines cannot currently be cloned; standard breeding and family selection techniques must be used to improve yield Pines are mostly hand planted, since planted as rooted seedlings; Limited automation is possible Agricultural type site preparation needed for rapid early growth
Biomass Feedstocks for Biopower in the United States
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