LIGNOGUIDE: Support for the Selection of Biomass Crops

France offers over a dozen dedicated lignocellulosic species for biomass production, yet their diversity is often overlooked. The LIGNOGUIDE project (CasDAR 2010–2012) leveraged a wide experimental network and partnerships among research and development institutions to compile agronomic references, compare annual, perennial, and short-rotation coppice crops, and produce a multicriteria selection guide. This guide evaluates each crop’s strengths and limitations in terms of yield, greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, water use, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Aimed at farmers, project leaders, institutional and policy stakeholders, it facilitates tailored crop choices aligned with local soil, climate, and processing requirements.