Cultivation models
In addition to the traditional model, we operate the cultivation model called Short Rotation Forestry and the Medium Rotation Forestry model
PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
SRF CULTIVATION MODEL
Short Rotation Forestry
The SRF (Short Rotation Forestry) cultivation model is the cultivation for the production of short-cycle biomass, mainly chipped for energy uses or as an industrial material, of rapidly growing hybrid poplars which, planted with a high degree of density (6,000 – 7,000 plants per hectare) and managed with suitable cultivation techniques, are harvested with cutting cycles of two to three years.
MRF CULTIVATION MODEL
Medium Rotation Forestry
The MRF (Medium Rotation Forestry) cultivation model has slightly longer cycles than those envisaged in the SRF system, (4-6 year cycle), and the plants have a lower density (~1600 plants per hectare).
For both SRF and MRF, plantations have a lifespan of 12/15 years, as the stumps are able to reproduce after cuttings.
Comparison table of the three production systems
| SRF | MRF | Traditional poplar cultivation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propagation material | Cuttings | My Aston | Pioppelle |
| Density | 6,000 - 7,000 plants/ha | ~ 1,600 plants/ha | ~ 270 plants/ha |
| Distance | 3x0,5m | 3x2m | 6x6m |
| Cycle | 2-3 years | 5 years | 8-12 years |
| Final destination | Chipboard panels / Second generation bioethanol / Chips for energy / Industrial pellets | Barkless chipboard panels / OSB panels - MDF - HDF / Cellulose pulp / Industrial pellets | Plywood panels / Packaging / Sawn wood |
