An analysis of bioenergy Plantations for the reclamation of degraded lands and their sustainability

Abstract

There are many different ways to use the word "restoration, " but it often refers to going back to something's initial state. It should be viewed as encompassing entire ecosystems in ecological restoration. It is important to keep in mind that there are restoration alternatives that can be more realistic, such as replacement or rehabilitation. Recently, land degradation problems have greatly come into the picture because of the increased anthropogenic activities. To ensure the land isn't wasted and utilized for meaningful purposes, it is important to restore the land using sustainable options. Bioenergy plantations with their wide range of adaptability and ability to grow in stressed conditions provide the option for the restoration of degraded lands. Natural restorative mechanisms offer many beneficial aspects which is why they should be used whenever and wherever possible. However, each of them may require a specific treatment plan because restoration is an ongoing process, and specifying success criteria can be challenging. Different bioenergy plantations such as Jatropha, miscanthus, and switchgrass can be used for such purposes. This chapter discusses land degradation, its causes and restoration using bioenergy plantations. © 2023 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.