SYLVIS, with partners at Northern Tilth and the University of Washington, developed the Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model (BEAM) to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian biosolids management.
Biomass
SYLVIS designs and implements projects that utilize residuals to fertilize woody biomass crops including hybrid poplar and short-rotation coppice willow.
Woody biomass establishment and optimization of growth is is another synergy with residuals management as the trees require substantial inputs of moisture and nutrients, and thus repeated applications are possible.
Residuals are used to optimize the conditions for tree growth. The resulting biomass is then used as:
- a renewable energy source;
- a source of fibre for pulp and paper products; and
- as a feedstock in value-added processes such as composting and soil fabrication.
In climate change mitigation biomass use as a fuel source displaces fossil-fuel derived energy sources.
SYLVIS designs and implements biomass plantation systems as residuals management opportunities including the establishment and ongoing fertilization of these woody crops.