Profitability of Short Rotation Forestry in Austria
Abstract
This study focuses on the economics of short rotation forestry (SRF) in Austria and is based on a net-present-value calculation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the profitability of SRF under various scenarios and to provide information on economically optimal production decisions. Dynamic systems analysis was applied to model biophysical growth, costs, and benefits of a poplar plantation. The model includes two different harvesting systems (cut-and-chip harvester, feller-buncher harvester) and two transportation systems (transportation of wood chips with tractor or truck). The model takes into account variations in biomass growth based on different plant densities and rotation periods as well as biomass decay and heating value depending on the chosen harvesting system and length of storage. The results indicate that SRF can be profitable under certain conditions in Austria.