Lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses are the major components of the lignocellulosic biomass of short rotation coppice (SRC) and perennial rhizomatous grasses (PRG) grown in temperate regions. The production systems, yield potentials, and biomass qualities of the most suitable SRC trees and PRG are described. For temperate systems, these are willow ( Salix ssp.), poplar ( Populus ), miscanthus ( Miscanthus ssp.), switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.), and reed canary grass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.). All perennial crops are planted once and can then be harvested annually (PRG) or in a 3- to 4-year rhythm (SRC) without soil cultivation or replanting. There are many ecological advantages of perennial crop production, such as reduced soil erosion, soil carbon storage, and high nutrient-use efficiency. On the other hand, farmers are reluctant to dedicate their fields to one single crop for decades and to take the risks of high initial investments when markets for the biomasses are not yet established.
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