%0 Journal Article
%T Biomasfor: an open-source holistic model for the assessment of sustainable forest bioenergy
%A Sacchelli S
%A Zambelli P
%A Zatelli P
%A Ciolli M
%J iForest : Biogeosciences and Forestry
%D 2013
%I Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology (SISEF)
%R 10.3832/ifor0897-006
%X This paper presents an open-source spatial analysis model (Biomasfor) that can quantify the availability of forest wood-energy biomass in the light of ecological and economic sustainability. Several multi-functionality parameters were evaluated to highlight the potential impact of biomass extraction on different forest functions. The multistep approach used and the model¡¯s internal structure permit the use of the model with highly differentiated input datasets. The introduction of biomass demand evaluation allows the quantification of the wood-energy supply/demand. The analysis is focused on the province of Trento (northeastern Italian Alps). The results are based on a scenario evaluation characterised by several degrees of biomass extraction and by a sensitivity analysis of biomass price, as well as on a typology of mechanisation. The model outputs define a reduction in biomass availability with the introduction of technical, economic and multi-functionality parameters. Furthermore, considerations on territorial characteristics outline the importance of woodchip production as a means of avoiding carbon dioxide emissions and achieving low-impact reductions of the risk of fires. The model appears to be an effective tool in bioenergy planning, particularly for the following purposes: (i) the estimation of the biomass supply/demand ratio under different scenarios; (ii) a preliminary analysis of biomass quality; and (iii) the influence of local environmental, economic and logistical characteristics on biomass production.
%K Spatial Analysis
%K Bioenergy
%K Open Source
%K Forest Multi-functionality
%K Holistic Models
%K GIS
%U http://www.sisef.it/iforest/contents/?id=ifor0897-006