Life cycle assessment of a short-rotation coppice willow riparian buffer strip for farm nutrient mitigation and renewable energy production

As agricultural activity intensifies across Europe there is growing concern over water quality. Agricultural run-off a leading cause of freshwater degradation. Simultaneously continually increasing drive to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Willow coppice planted as riparian buffer has been suggested solution help mitigate these problems. However, limited research into the use such system several key knowledge gaps remain, as, ratio not known, fully harvested site yet be analysed in literature. The aim this fill inform agri-environmental policy. To do life cycle assessment was carried out on an established willow system, considering global warming potential, eutrophication acidification potential cumulative demand impact categories, alongside calculation ratio. our it first for which full out. combusted fuel district heating system. Key results showed emissions 4.66 kg CO2eq GJheatout−1 0.01 SO2eq GJheatout−1, both are significant reductions compared oil (95% categories). also resulted permanent nutrient removal 55.36 PO43−eq ha−1 yr−1 had 17.4, could rise 64 depending harvest method.