Wood and non-wood pulp production: Comparative ecological footprinting on the Canadian prairies

摘要: Abstract Pulp production accounts for a major part of the Canadian forest industry. Because ecological damage caused by industry, there has been growing interest in use agricultural residues as an alternative or supplementary fibre source pulp making. The purpose this study is to determine whether crop potential reduce environmental ‘load’ associated with production. We answer question estimating and comparing footprints currently dominant practice using spruce aspen harvested from boreal forest, plant residue wheat flax crops commonly grown prairie provinces. analysis all land energy inputs two processes. results indicate that load varies among resources However, overall, total eco-footprint pulped straw smallest.