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Forestry Biomass Production and Valorization

Objectives

1. Knowing and identifying the importance of forest ecosystem services.

2. Recognizing the importance of measuring the biomass forest.

3. Recognizing and knowing how to use the methods for measuring the different parts of a tree.

4. Recognizing and know how to use the methods of measuring a forest stand.

5. Knowing the composition of lignocellulosic biomass.

6. Knowing the cultivation methods of some forest species for bioenergy.

7. Identifying the main characteristics of biomass supply chains.

8. Knowing the methods of pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass from a biorefinary perspective.

General characterization

Code

12931

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Nuno Carlos Lapa dos Santos Nunes

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 70

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Bibliography

West, P.W. (2009) Tree and Forest Measurement, 2nd edition, Springer, 191 pp. (ISBN: 978-3-540-95965-6; e-ISBN: 978-3-540-95966-3)

Santos Pereira, J. (2016) O Futuro da Floresta em Portugal. Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, eBook. (ISBN: 978-989-8819-80-2)

Kimmins, J.P. (1997) Forest Ecology. A foundation for sustainable management, 2nd edition. Prentice Hall, 596 pp. (ISBN: 0-02-364071-59)

Radish, M.C. e Alves,. A.A.M. (2000) Dois séculos da floresta em Portugal. Edição CELPA, 226 pp.

Teaching method

In-person theoretical sessions for the discussion of theoretical topics, where student debate is a central objective.

Theoretical-practical sessions for carrying out theoretical-practical work and some fieldwork. Study visits.

If there are ERASMUS students enrolled who are not proficient in Portuguese, the classes will be conducted in English.

Evaluation method

Students must complete:

a) Two team-based theoretical-practical assignments (TP1 and TP2), contributing each one with 25% to the final grade.

b) Two theoretical exams (tests 1 and 2), contributing each one with 25% to the final grade.

Attendance in the course unit is achieved cumulatively by:

a) Attendance in 2/3 of the theoretical-practical classes, AND

b) A minimum grade of 9.50 out of 20 in the theoretical-practical component.

Passing the course unit requires a minimum grade of 9.50 points (out of 20).

Subject matter

1. Introduction - Forests and the Earth; Forest ecosystem services; The trees; To manage or not to manage the forest; Forestry; Management / Knowing / Measuring.

2. The shaft: volume, shape, and conical functions.

3. Mass quantification of forest biomass  - leaves, branches, trunks, and roots; The mass of a tree.

4. Forest stand (part 1): Importance of measuring a stand; Data collection process.

5. Forest stand (part 2): Measurements in a stand: Productive Capacity of the Site, Stand Volume, Stand Biomass, and Stand Growth.

6. Lignocellulosic biomass: Composition; Forest waste; Short rotation forests for energy; Municipal green wastes; Assessment of availability of woody resources.

7. Growing Poplar (Populus spp.) for bioenergy.

8. Growing Willow (Salix spp.) for bioenergy.

9. Biomass supply chains: characteristics and main constraints.

10. Biomass pretreatment processes.