Review of the effects of energy crops on hydrology

Abstract

1) MAFF has recently launched a scheme to support the expansion of the area of
\nenergy crops grown in England in order to meet the nation’s Kyoto targets for
\nthe reduction in CO2 emissions. This has highlighted concerns about the possible
\neffects of willow short rotation coppice (SRC) and Miscanthus on the hydrology
\nof catchments in which they are grown. High levels of water use by these crops
\ncould result in less surface runoff, decreased aquifer recharge and hence
\nreduced stream flow (Chapter 1