Conventional biomass sources have been widely exploited for several end uses (mostly food, feed, fuel and chemicals). More unconventional sources are continually being sought for meeting the growing planetary demands for biomass materials. Biofuels are already commercially produced in many countries and are becoming mainstream. The role of biorefineries for production of chemicals is also on the rise. Plant biomass is the primary source of food for all multicellular living organisms. Primary production remains a key link in the chain of life support on planet Earth. Is there enough for all? What new strategies (or technologies) are available or promising for providing plant biomass in a safe and sustainable way? What are the potential impacts (footprints and efficiencies) of such strategies? What can be the limiting factors—land, water, energy and nutrients? What might be the limits for specific regions (OECD vs. non-OECD, advanced vs. developing, dry and warm vs. wet and cool, etc.). In this paper, we provided answers to these questions by critically reviewing the pros and cons associated with current and future production and use pathways for biomass. We conclude that in many cases, the jury is still out, and we cannot come to a solid verdict about the future of biomass production and use.

传统的生物质资源已被广泛用于多种最终用途（主要是食品，饲料，燃料和化学药品）。为了满足行星对生物质材料日益增长的需求，正在不断寻求更多的非常规来源。生物燃料已经在许多国家商业化生产，并成为主流。生物精炼厂在生产化学品中的作用也在上升。植物生物量是所有多细胞生物的主要食物来源。初级生产仍然是地球生命支持链中的关键环节。有足够的一切吗？有哪些新战略（或技术）可用或有望以安全和可持续的方式提供植物生物量？此类策略有哪些潜在影响（足迹和效率）？哪些可能是限制因素-土地，水，能量和营养？特定区域的限制可能是什么（经合组织与非经合组织，先进与发展中，干燥与温暖，潮湿与凉爽等）。在本文中，我们通过批判性地回顾了与当前和将来的生物质生产及使用途径相关的利弊，为这些问题提供了答案。我们得出的结论是，在许多情况下，陪审团还没有成立，我们无法就生物质生产和使用的未来做出可靠的判断。