Overview of Suitability of Fast Growing Tree Species (Salix spp., Populus spp., Alnus spp.) for Establishment of Economic Agroforestry Zones for Biomass Producing in Baltic Sea Region Climatic Conditions

The article summarizes the research on managed process of agroforestry zones by short rotation plantations with tree species Salix spp., Populus spp., Alnus spp. and looks at perspectives in the planning of these zones as biomass producers. Short rotation forestry (SRF) with a combination of species and a rotation time of 15 to 30 years, depending on the species used, is the most suitable way for management of these agroforestry zones. Short rotation coppice is suitable for willows (Salix spp.) and poplars (Populus spp.) as these tree species can be harvested at much shorter intervals (SRC), 1–5 and 4–10 years, facilitating their use in agricultural systems. In Alnus spp.short rotation plantation the life cycle for energy wood production is assumed to be 15-30 years. The black alder plantations in agroforestry zones are used for sawnwood and firewood production, with a rotation span of 20–40 years. Calculated economic agroforestry zone repayment period is about 10-15 years, if costs and prices as in 2021 are used.