A. Terrestrial Biomass

Much effort to evaluate terrestrial biomass for energy applications has been expended (for the United States, see Hohenstein and Wright, 1994; Ferrell, Wright, and Tuskan, 1995). In general, this work has been aimed at selecting high-yield biomass species, characterizing their physical and chemical proper­ties, defining their growth requirements, and rating their energy use potential. Several species have been proposed specifically for energy usage, whereas others have been recommended for multiple uses, one of which is as an energy resource. The latter case is exemplified by sugarcane; bagasse, the fibrous material remaining after sugar extraction, is used in several sugar factories as a boiler fuel. It is probable that most land-based biomass plantations operated for energy production or synfuel manufacture will also yield products for nonenergy markets. Large-scale biomass energy plantations that produce single energy products will probably be the exception rather than the rule. Land-based biomass for energy production can be divided into forest biomass, grasses, and cultivated plants.