Forest biomass may not be sustainable, according to new report

A recent study conducted by the Oregon State University (OSU) and a number of other universities located in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria, has suggested that the use of forest biomass may be responsible for higher greenhouse gas emissions and furthermore may not be sustainable.

A depletion of soil nutrients, higher erosion risk, younger forests, loss of forest biodiversity and shorter tree rotations may be the result of using forest biomass, the research suggested.

Not only this, but an increase in bioenergy usage will lead to a higher use of fertilizers which in turn can lead to increased greenhouse emissions.

According to the report, bioenergy can create a negative effect on soil fertility, water and vegetation and on ecosystem diversity.

There is also concern about the fact that biofuels require governmental subsidies or mandates, coupled with the fear that with higher demand, the cost of biomass will inevitably increase.