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Dry matter losses during biomass storage: Measures to minimize feedstock degradation

The degradation of biomass during storage leads to several unfavourable outcomes including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, feedstock/energy losses, and economic losses. Different types of biomass and storage alternatives lead to different dry matter loss outcomes. Storage method, biomass origin, size and shape of the fuel, size and degree of compaction and storage time as well as ambient factors as e.g. temperature and humidity are all factors that simultaneously affect the processes leading to dry matter losses, and must all be taken into account. Several strategies are discussed in this report that can be used to reduce dry matter loss and should be considered during pile management. The simultaneous development of storage guidelines and management models/tools will contribute towards uniform utilization of forest resources, a reduction in dry matter losses, less environmental impact and cost throughout the production chain.