Xu et al: Landscape Metrics and Land‑Use Patterns of Energy Crops in the Agricultural Landscape | 2023

Summary

• The authors of this research paper analysed the land uses surrounding and the spatial characteristics of the main energy crops in Sweden (willow, poplar, hybrid aspen and reed canary grass) compared to traditional agricultural crops during the period 2006–2018
• Energy crops present a distinct spatial profile compared to traditional agricultural crops. There are, at the same time, important differences between energy crops, particularly woody plantations versus grasses, with implications in the management and operational efficiency of energy crops, and for land-use diversity at different scales.
• The results of the research support the overall hypothesis that energy crops can have a positive effect diversifying agricultural landscapes

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