SRC stands for “Short Rotation Coppice.” Usually, SRCs consists of fast-growing tree species that are planted on farmland to produce wood fiber for use as a material or as energy biomass. These types of plantations are growing in importance as competing alternative uses for wood drive up demand for this renewable but limited natural resource. The main emphasis at all three pavilions P32, P34, P35) is on providing information on the planning, establishment and management of SRCs as well as on variety and seed stock selection.

The information offering will include findings from the following cooperative research projects:

• Proloc – Determination and modeling of interactions between poplar and willow clones and local agroforestry planting sites
• Fastwood – Breeding programs for fast-growing tree species used as a renewable resource in short rotation coppices (Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche Versuchsanstalt, NWFVA, P32/34)

In addition, the pavilions will be staffed by experts who will be happy to advise visitors on the silvicultural management of short rotation coppices – the cycle from planting through to harvesting and regrowth (HeRO, P34) – and on marketing the new poplar variety, Matrix (NWFVA and HeRo, P34).

Wald-Agentur Münster GmbH at Pavilion 35 will also provide expert advice and downstream support – from the initial concept development stage through to the marketing stage. The company also provides assessment services and develops management and mobilization concepts for potential dendromass sources (e.g. wood fiber from farming and landscaping operations). Its offering at the fair is rounded off by information on pre-forest establishment using a mix of poplar and target species, for instance in windthrow sites or in new forest establishment areas.