HOW TO EVALUATE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF SHORT-TERM CULTURES FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION? AN APPLICATION FROM NE ROMANIA

Short rotation cultures of trees on agricultural land are implemented in various countries as to increase the European wood supply from outside the existing forest sector. However, the change of traditional agricultural land use towards intensive culture techniques may involve some environmental and social risks. The paper describes an original methodology implemented since 2011 to evaluate the sustainability of short-term biomass production. Our definition of sustainability argues that short-term rotation plantations on marginal or agricultural lands should produce benefits to local communities and industry while minimizing the environmental risks. Taking into account recommendations from sustainability literature, the methodology implemented combines various investigations on soil, biomass, biodiversity and social indicators. Results of the monitoring conducted three years in the experimental area situated in North-Eastern Romania show that one of the most accurate indicators of soil nutrient consumption was phosphorus, and that the biodiversity of poplar cultures is similar or better to that documented in agricultural land. A low level of social acceptability of poplar cultures is present, that may pose problems and creates conflicts in the long term. We argue that the methodology implemented is appropriate for a sound and objective assessment short-rotation poplar plantations impact on the overall social benefits, and to provide clear messages to investors, communities, stakeholders and policy makers.