Atkinson, Rachel
(2023)
Short-Rotation Coppice Willow: Soil Carbon Sequestration and Financial Incentives for Farmers.
Master of Philosophy thesis, University of Liverpool.
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201433903_Dec23.pdf - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This thesis comprises a comprehensive study of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Willow (Salix), a second-generation bioenergy crop with the capacity to contribute towards environmental and renewable energy challenges. The research includes two integral components: a detailed research report and a scientific publication, both providing thorough information on SRC willow’s potential. The research report serves as a thorough literature review, providing a detailed overview of SRC willow including best planting practices to maximise yield, and an assessment of environmental benefits including soil carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement, and flood management. Additionally, the report assesses the financial viability of cultivating SRC willow from the farmers’ perspective and examines past and existing policy frameworks and incentivisation schemes for the establishment of SRC willow. The findings emphasise the need for more robust policy support and financial incentives to promote SRC willow cultivation, aligning with ambitious climate targets. The scientific publication focuses on the quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) change following arable and grassland conversion to SRC willow. The study follows systematic review and meta-analysis protocols to synthesise the data from various studies, contributing to the understanding of SRC willow’s role in carbon sequestration and its potential to mitigate agricultural emissions. The meta-analysis revealed a significant overall increase in SOC with SRC willow conversion. However, high levels of heterogeneity were observed within and between studies so subgroup analyses were performed to identify any driving factors. Results indicated that prior land use was an important factor, with arable land conversions leading to SOC gains, while grassland shifts resulted in minor losses. Low initial carbon stocks correlated with higher SOC gains, whereas high initial stocks often saw limited or negative changes. These findings have implications for management practices when choosing where to establish SRC willow plantations. Additionally, age exhibited a slight negative correlation with SOC change, suggesting potential sequestration decline as plantations mature. The study also acknowledges limitations in existing research methodologies, such as reporting transparency, sampling depth, and experimental design. These limitations highlight the need for more rigorous and standardised approaches to comprehensively understand SOC dynamics within SRC willow systems.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master of Philosophy) |
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| Divisions: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Environmental Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2024 14:00 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Feb 2025 03:04 |
| DOI: | 10.17638/03182416 |
| Supervisors: |
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| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3182416 |
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