Energy Plantations Research Articles

High Tonnage Harvesting and Skidding for Loblolly Pine Energy Plantations

Abstract The southeastern United States has a promising source for renewable energy in the form of woody biomass. To meet the energy needs, energy plantations will likely be utilized. These plantations will contain a high density of small-stem pine trees. Since the stems are relatively small when compared with traditional product removal, the harvesting costs will increase. The purpose of this research was to evaluate specialized harvesting and skidding equipment that would harvest these small stems cost efficiently. The feller-buncher utilized was a Tigercat 845D with a specialized biomass shear head. The skidder was a Tigercat 630D equipped with an oversized grapple. This equipment was evaluated in a 4-hectare stand with characteristics of a southern pine energy plantation. During the study, the feller-buncher achieved an average production rate of 47 green tonnes/productive machine hour (gt/PMH) and the skidder had an average production rate of 112 gt/PMH. A before-tax cash-flow model was used to determine a cost per ton for each machine. The feller-buncher costs were $3.85/gt over a 10-year life span, whereas the skidder costs were $1.95/gt over the same 10-year life. The results suggested that the current system working in a southern pine energy plantation could harvest and skid small stems for approximately $5.80/gt.

The investigation of morphological characteristics of willow species in different environmental conditions

Alternative or renewable energy is a modern strategy with a good per?spective in the nearest future. There are several directions of renewable energy development that depend on climatic, economic and technological opportunities of a region. The perspective choice for areas with moderate climate is bioenergy. One of the bioenergy directions is agro forestry based on short rotation coppice plantations (SRC) of trees, like willow, poplar and others. The goal of experiments was the assessment of the potential of different willow species for the obtaining of energy in two climatic zones and on two types of soils of Belarus. For this purpose several morphological characteristics were metered: height of plants, biomass, diameter and number of sprouts. The field experiments were conducted on two types of soils: post-mining peaty soils in Grodno region and on degraded peaty soils in Brest region of Belarus. The same soils are very problematic for growing of traditional agricultural crops, thus willow production is a good alternative for biomass production of energy as well as for the reclamation of these soils. In our experiments the following species of willow were tested (Salix alba, Salix viminalis, Salix dasyclados, Salix aurita) that may grow on peaty soils at the natural conditions. The most popular species for modern selection of SRC of willow is Salix viminalis. Nevertheless, the most suitable morphological characteristics on post-mining peaty soils were established for plants of Salix dasyclados and on degraded peaty soils for the plants of Salix alba. The unfavorable parameters at the both type of soils were identified for the plants of Salix aurita. However, it is necessary to take into account that the used species are more popular for natural wetlands and in our experiments plants have best results of survival of cutting and rates of growth at the beginning of vegetation. In accordance with these facts Salix aurita may not be used for energy plantation directly, but it is interesting for hybridization with other species. Our results have shown that perspective hybrids for peaty soils may be for instance Salix aurita x Salix dasyclados and Salix aurita x Salix alba.

Potential of Biomass Based Electricity Generation in Sri Lanka

Biomass has attracted much attention as a primary energy source for electricity generation due to its potential to supply low cost fuel source with considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. Despite having favorable climatic conditions to grow and use biomass for electricity generation, biomass based electricity generation in Sri Lanka is lagging behind due to many reasons. Many countries rely on the agricultural or forestry by-products or residuals as the main source of biomass for electricity generation mainly due to the comparatively low cost and sustainable supply of these by-products. Sri Lanka does not have this advantage and has to rely mainly on purposely grown biomass for electricity generation. Development of short rotation energy plantations seems to be the best option available for Sri Lanka to produce biomass for commercial scale electricity generation. The highly favorable growing conditions, availability of promising tree species and a variety of plantation management options and significant environmental and socio-economic benefits associated with energy plantation development greatly favor this option. This paper examines the potential of using plantation grown biomass as a fuel source for electricity generation in Sri Lanka.

Biomass yield and energy potential of short-rotation energy plantations of Gmelina arborea one year old in Costa Rica

Short-rotation woody plantations have been recently established in Costa Rica and Gmelina arborea has gained popularity The present work assesses tree diameter and height, biomass distribution, specific gravity, green density, moisture content, calorific value, ash content, volatile materials, carbon, nitrogen, extractives and production of energy in one-year-old short-rotation energy plantations of G. arborea in three different sites in Costa Rica, planted under three spacings (0.5×0.5m, 1.0×1.0m and 2.0×2.0m). The results showed that the properties evaluated presented little variation due to spacing. The variations by site and spacing in the properties of the biomass and its characteristics could be easily observed by multivariate analysis. According to this analysis, one site excelled with the best energy characteristics, while spacings of 0.5×0.5m and 1.0×1.0m show higher energy and biomass production in the three sites. Regarding the study of the characteristics and distribution of biomass in different parts of the tree, differences were found in initial moisture content, calorific value and volatile materials between the trunk, branches or bark. The highest percentage of biomass is concentrated in the trunk and branches. Finally, it was concluded that the species G. arborea produces similar amounts of biomass compared to other short-rotation energy crops.

Study on the Potential of Land Utilization for Energy Plantation as Biodiesel Feedstock: Case Study of Andalas University Campus at Limau Manis

A B S T R A C T This study was conducted to identify potential energy plants as biodiesel feedstocks atan Indonesian university campus. Plant identification and selection of the most potential oil-plant were done by purposive sampling and goal achievement methods, respectively. Some plant oil properties, i.e., seed-oil content, water content, free fatty acid content and fatty acid profile, were evaluated by laboratory analysis. It was found out that five common energy plants were identified as existing plants, i.e. Terminelia cattapa Linn, Mimusops elengi Linn, Vitex pubescens Vahl, Leucaena leucocephala Lam and Swietenia mahagoni Jacq. The seed-oil content varies from 10.83-70.19 wt%, while the water contents were in the range of 1.56 and 3.75 wt%. As for the free fatty acid content was between 1.67 and 3.64 wt%. According to the evaluation of seed and plant-oil properties, Terminelia cattapa Linn. is recommended for planting in unused space of Andalas University with the total area of approximately 9.04 ha. The planting of Terminelia cattapa Linn at the unused area together with the existing energy plants is estimated to produce 5,546.040 L yearG 1 , oil that can potentially be converted into biodiesel.

Socio-Economic Importance Of Associated Plant Species In Short Rotation Coppice Plantations

Abstract Many ecosystem services do not pass through markets. Therefore, the benefits which ecosystems provide to society are largely unrecorded. Fast-growing woody crops represent a quite new and still insufficiently explored ecosystem of agricultural land which has a potential to provide several utility functions. It may contribute to satisfaction of human needs and may enhance regional health. The goal of this paper was to detect the socio-economic importance of associated spontaneous vegetation in plantations of the energy crops (hybrids of the genera Salix) and to compare it with the socio-economic importance of adjacent permanently cultivated agricultural field. There was examined the therapeutic, melliferous, feed, allergenic and toxic potential of undergrowth for each experimental plot inside the SRC plantations. The research was carried out on the agricultural land formerly used for growing cereals and root crops – the research base Kolíňany. Our results showed that energy plantation understoreys can be assumed to be the better option for contribution to the total socio-economic value of a region than agricultural fields.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Integrated Energy Plantation Model of Palm Oil and Microalgae Based Biofuel for Sustainable Energy Production

Abstract Microalgae is a biofuel crop that needs large amounts of water and nutrients in cultivation stage and requires excessive energy at the downstream processes. This study presented an integrated plantation concept to accomplish these issues by material and energy balance optimization of microalgae based biodiesel production cycle. Significant potency of positive energy balance by utilizing agriculture waste water from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) was comprehensively investigated. However, POME has rich nutrient compounds for microalgae growth and its utilization reduces energy penalty. The total energy balance indicated substantial figures, in range of 2.66 up to 3.05 or even higher following the system efficiency. Meanwhile, total energy output for 1 production cycle in 10 ha microalgae pond approximately 160 GJ and net energy produced reaches 100 GJ. Based on current best available methods or technologies, microalgae cultivation for biofuels by using wastewater provide a positive energy return and might be economically viable.

TAPE: A Medical Adhesive Inspired by a Ubiquitous Compound in Plants

Adhesives play an important role in industrial fields such as electronics, architectures, energy plantation, and others. However, adhesives used for medical purpose are rather under‐developed compared with those used in industry and consumer products. One key property required for medical adhesives is to maintain their adhesiveness in the presence of body fluid. Here, an entirely new class of medical adhesives called TAPE is reported; this is produced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding between a well‐known polyphenol compound, tannic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol). The preparation method of TAPE is extremely easy, forming a few liters at once by just the simple mixing of the two compounds without any further chemical synthetic procedures. TAPE shows a 250% increase in adhesion strength compared with fibrin glue, and the adhesion is well maintained in aqueous environments. It is demonstrated that TAPE is an effective hemostatic material and a biodegradable patch for detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease in vivo. Widespread use of TAPE is anticipated in various medical and pharmaceutical applications such as muco‐adhesives, drug depots, and others, because of its scalability, adhesion, and facile preparation.

The Geographical Distribution Of The Black Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia L.) In Poland And Its Role On Non-Forest Land

AbstractThe black locust (Robinia pseudoacaciaL.) has been present in Poland for more than 200 years now, its range coming to encompass the entire country, albeit with a particular concentration of occurrence in the west. Overall, it is present in 3.4% of the stands making up Poland’s “State Forests National Forest Holding” (Państwowe Gospodarstwo Leśne Lasy Państwowe), and is the dominant species in 0.1% of stands. Thanks to its producing durable wood of favourable energetic properties, this species is used in medium-rotation (≤ 40-year) plantations as well as in biomass energy plantations (where there is a 5–7-year rotation). In terms of its nectar production, the black locust is second only to lime as the Polish tree best serving the production of honey. While the species shows marked expansiveness in Poland, it has not thus far been placed on the list of aliens capable of threatening native species or natural habitats. Breeding of the species has been engaged in – if to only a limited extent – in Poland for some 20 years now, and 2 selected seed stands have been registered, as well as 34 plus trees and 2 seed orchards.

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) ecophysiological and morphological adaptations to drought and their consequence on biomass production and water-use efficiency

Successful plantation efforts growing Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) in the drier regions of Hungary and East Germany (Brandenburg), have demonstrated the potential of black locust as an alternative tree species for short-rotation biomass energy plantations. The response of black locust to water limitation was investigated in a lysimeter experiment. Plants were grown under three different soil moisture regimes, with values set at 35%, 70%, and 100% of the soil water availability, namely WA35, WA70, and WA100. Their morphological adaptation and productivity response to water constraint were assessed together with their water-use efficiency. Furthermore, the ecophysiological adaptation at the leaf level was assessed in terms of net photosynthesis and leaf transpiration. During the growing season, plants in the WA35, WA70, and WA100 treatments transpired 239, 386, and 589 litres of water respectively. The plants subjected to the WA35 and WA70 treatments developed smaller leaves compared with the plants subjected to the WA100 treatment (66% and 36% respectively), which contributed to the total leaf area reduction from 8.03 m2 (WA100) to 3.25 m2 (WA35). The total above-ground biomass produced in the WA35 (646 g) and WA70 (675 g) treatments reached only 46% and 48% of the biomass yield obtained in the WA100 (1415 g). The water-use efficiency across all treatments was 2.31 g L−1. At vapour pressure deficit (VPD) values 2 kPa. Black locust plants can adapt to prolonged drought conditions by reducing water loss through both reduced transpiration and leaf size. However, under well-watered conditions it does not regulate its transpiration, and therefore it cannot be considered a water-saving tree species.

Manpower Potential, Employment Status and Forest Based Livelihood Opportunities among Tribal Communities of Jharkhand, India

The study sought to investigate the manpower potential, employment status and forest based livelihood opportunities among tribal communities (Munda, Oraon and Lohara) of Bundu block in Ranchi district of Jharkhand state. The study is based on both secondary sources and primary field survey viz. personal interviews of the respondents through a well-structured pre-tested interview schedule, personal observations of the interviewer and participatory rural appraisal tools, that is, semi-structure interview and focus group discussion carried out in the sample villages using multi-stage random sampling technique. The study revealed that out of the 3738 labour force, 54.95 percent belonged to work force and rest (45.05%) is unemployed. A considerable percentage (41.46%) of households was having three workers engaged as family labour (62.19%) for 201-300 mandays per annum (71.95%). Nearly half (48.17%) of the households were having one migrant or day-outer member who travels a distance upto 50 km (72.56%) for a period upto 4 months (50.61%) for earning their livelihoods. The alleviation of unemployment and under-employment problems of the tribal people needs diversification of non-traditional and economically viable employment opportunities. The forest based livelihood interventions namely, agroforestry, energy plantation, pasture development, timber plantation, tasar (Antherea mylitta) silk rearing, lac cultivation, bamboo planting, fruit farming and value addition in sal (Shorea robusta) leaf plate and cup making are the best options having potential to generate employment opportunities of 108792.50 mandays per annum and an income of Rupees (Rs.) 327.77 lakhs per annum for the tribal people. Hence, the interventions envisaged needs to be implemented efficiently for all-round development of the tribal people and ecological stability in the study area.

Heating value of eucalypt wood grown on SRC for energy production

The Authors determined the energy yield of a dedicated biomass plantation established with clonal Eucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptusurophylla. The plantation was designed as high density short rotation stand, following the same philosophy of willow SRC. Different spacing modules were tested, with density ranging from 1400 to 7000treesha−1. Three different fertilization regimes were applied. After 2years, sample trees were harvested to determine mass yield, heating value and energy yield. Density and fertilizer input had no effect on heating value, but they had a significant and direct relationship with mass and energy yield. The latter ranged from 300 to over 900GJha−1year−1. One of the conceptual merits of this paper is that of accounting for plantation yield in energy terms. That seems logical for dedicated energy plantations, but it is done very rarely, if at all. Hence, this paper may introduce a new and more rational way of dealing with energy biomass.

Physiological and NPK Studies for Developing Agrotechniques for SRHD Energy Plantations in the North-Western Himalayas

The study was undertaken to develop agrotechniques for raising short-rotation, high-density (SRHD) energy plantations as a renewable energy source by using planting densities of 10,000 and 14,000 plants/ha. Under Species × Spacing × Fertilizers (N:P:K), the effect of fertilizers was more evident on plant height than on stem diameter. The species as Grevillea robusta, Bauhinia variegata, and Eucalyptus showed the most statistically significant vertical and radial growth in both of the spacings. The N:P:K::50:25:25 kg/ha produced statistically significant growth. The photosynthesis rate, as recorded, showed that Salix tetrasperma had high rates of CO2 assimilation but poor aerial growth.The photosynthetic rate under varying fertilizer treatments remained unchanged, but the biomass improved significantly. In G. robusta, excellent aerial growth was observed despite a low rate of photosynthesis (even at low water potential). The dry weight of Eucalyptus was recorded (60 and 233 t/ha; spacing 1 m × 1 m and 1 m × 0.71 m) after 3 yr. After 10 yr, the highest dry weight was recorded again in Eucalyptus at 1,471.44 t/ha. The lowest moisture content (36–38%) was recorded in Morus alba, while the highest moisture content was recorded in Eucalyptus (66–70%). In all tested species, G. robusta (26%) showed the maximum calorific value.

Leaf Litter Decomposition and Nutrient-Release Characteristics of Several Willow Varieties Within Short-Rotation Coppice Plantations in Saskatchewan, Canada

Quantifying short-rotation coppice (SRC) willow leaf litter dynamics will improve our understanding of carbon (C) sequestration and nutrient cycling potentials within these biomass energy plantations and provide valuable data for model validation. The objective of this study was to quantify the decomposition rate constants (k Biomass) and decomposition limit values (LVBiomass), along with associated release rates (k Nutrient) and release limits (LVNutrient) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) of leaf litter from several native and exotic willow varieties during an initial 4-year rotation at four sites within Saskatchewan, Canada. The k Biomass, LVBiomass, k Nutrient, and LVNutrient values varied among the willow varieties, sites, and nutrients, with average values of 1.7 year−1, 79 %, 0.9 year−1, and 83 %, respectively. Tissue N had the smallest k Nutrient and LVNutrient values, whereas tissue K and Mg had the largest k Nutrient and LVNutrient values, respectively. The leaf litter production varied among willow varieties and sites with an average biomass accumulation of 7.4 Mg ha−1 after the 4-year rotation and associated C sequestration rate of 0.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1. The average contribution of nutrients released from leaf litter decomposition during the 4-year rotation to the plant available soil nutrient pool across varieties and sites was 22, 4, 47, 10, 112, and 18 kg ha−1 of N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg, respectively. Principal component analysis identified numerous key relationships between the measured soil, plant tissue, climate, and microclimate variables and observed willow leaf litter decomposition and nutrient-release characteristics. Our findings support the contention that SRC willow leaf litter is capable of enhancing both soil organic C levels and supplementing soil nutrient availability over time.

Evaluating the energy and the carbon stored from tropical acacias: the first steps

Because of their relevance as a source of energy as woodfuel, carbon storage capacity and their environmental characteristics in ecosystems, tropical leguminous trees are suitable for their management on plantations to produce biomass for energy or carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research project to develop a methodology to estimate the energy content and the carbon sequestered in the above ground biomass of trees in plantations of Acacia cochliacantha and Acacia pennatula, two leguminous tree species of the tropical dry forest of Mexico and Central America. To do this the heating value and carbon content of wood data were integrated to transform allometric equations into energy and carbon sequestered equations. These equations, once supplemented with further experimental data could be very useful in calculating energy content and carbon sequestration to enhance the economics and sustainable management of these energy plantations.

Bamboo Biomass Yield and Feedstock Characteristics of Energy Plantations in Thailand

Bamboo plantations in two locations in eastern Thailand differed in their biomass yield by an order of magnitude as a result of site productivity and plantation management. The biomass yield of Bambusa beecheyana and Dendrocalamus membranaceus was comparable, but the moisture content of culms of B. beecheyana was considerably higher as compared to D. membranaceus. With D. membranaceus, internodes had higher moisture content, as compared to nodes. The moisture content decreased with increasing height along culms with both species, but this gradient was stronger with D. membranaceus. The moisture content of culms of B. beecheyana declined with increasing culm age, indicating that older culms are more suitable for energetic utilization. While general feedstock characteristics of the two species were comparable, the calorific content of D. membranaceus was significantly higher than of B. beecheyana. Primarily the upper sections and nodes of older culms of both species are attractive options as bioenergy feedstock, but plantations established on marginal sites without proper plantation management will result in very low yields.

Comparison of Different Wood Species as Raw Materials for Bioenergy

Background and Purpose: Most projections of the global energy use predict that biomass will be an important component of primary energy sources in the coming decades. Short rotation plantations have the potential to become an important source of renewable energy in Europe because of the high biomass yields, a good combustion quality as solid fuel, ecological advantages and comparatively low biomass production costs. Materials and Methods: In this study, the wood of black locust Robinia pseudoacacia, white willow Salix alba L., poplars Populus deltoides and Populus x euramericana cl.I-214, aged eight years were examined. Immediately after the felling, sample discs were taken to assess moisture content, ash content, the width of growth rings, wood densities and calorific values, according to the standard methodology. Results: The mean values of willow, poplar and black locust wood density were 341 kg/m3, 336 kg/m3 and 602 kg/m3, respectively. The average heating values of willow poplar and black locust wood were 18.599 MJ/kg, 18.564 MJ/kg and 21.196 MJ/kg, respectively. The FVI index (average values) was higher for black locust (17.186) than for poplar and willow clones, which were similar: 11.312 and 11.422 respectively. Conclusions: Black locust wood with a higher density, calorific value and ash content compared to poplar and willow wood proved to be a more suitable raw material as RES. However, it is very important, from the aspect of the application of wood of these tree species as RES, to also consider the influence of the biomass yield per unit area of the plantations established as “energy plantations”.

Экономико-технологические аспекты использования загрязненных радионуклидами лесных земель

The paper proposes a novel approach on the use of certain categories of forest land with the necessary environmental assessment of creation and cultivation of melioration energy plantations of shrubby willows, technological operations of growing common osier energy plantations are described, the substantiation of the environmental effectiveness of the propo-sed activities is given. Feature of the proposed approach is its environmental focus - prevention of further depreciation of organic and mineral and water regulating properties of forest land, preservation of bio-diversity.

Oil bearing seasonal crops in India: energy and phytoremediation potential

Purpose – A variety of biomass plantations are being raised for energy production. This case study is on energy production potential of seasonal oil bearing crops in India. These crops have the advantage of producing oil (liquid fuel) as well as biomass as agro residue (solid fuel). The purpose of the study is to estimate total energy yields of oil bearing crops and compare with other types of energy plantations. Also oil bearing crops bioaccumulate metals and thus phytoremediate soil. This provides scope for waste water irrigation. Design/methodology/approach – Relevant published papers on energy production by raising oil bearing crops have been analyzed. The effect of waste water irrigation and agronomic practices on increasing productivity is given special attention. Findings – It is shown that the seasonal oil bearing crops such as castor have a high potential to generate energy and this is comparable to energy produced by many perennial grasses. The energy yields of castor under irrigated condition was 196×103 MJ/ha and this is comparable to the reed canary grass which yields 195×103 MJ/ha. Some of the oil bearing crops are also super accumulators of certain toxic metals. Research limitations/implications – In this study, only all the accessible papers on the topic could be analyzed. Practical implications – This case study indicates that raising oil bearing crops such as castor using waste water has many advantages which include high energy yields, utilization of waste water for productive purpose and phytoremediation of soil. Originality/value – The comparison made between various types of energy crops for their energy generation is an original contribution. Findings of economic and environmental benefits by waste water irrigation are also of value.

OFF-GRID, COMMUNITY-BASED DENDROTHERMAl POWER GENERATION A ViABLE OPTION FOR CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM

Sri Lanka has taken various measures to implement Ole United Nations Framework Conventionon Climate Change within the country. Clean development mechanism (CDM) provides aframework for participation of developing countries in mitigating climatic effects. In CDM, adeveloped country will implement and finance a project that reduces or mitigates greenhouse gas(carbon dioxide) emissions in a developing country, for which the developed country partywould get Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), certifying the emissions reduced from theCDM project. Such a CDM project would help the developing country in achieving itssustainable development goals, and the country can a lso profit by selling any carbon avoided bythe CDM project to the developed country partyIn Sri Lanka, power sector is a potential sector for CDM, due to high carbon emissionsassociated with thermal power generation. Since Sri Lanka has almost reached its maximumhydropower potential, the country needs to consider having more thermal and renewable energyoptions in the power sector. One potential, relatively cheap renewable option is dendrothermalpower generation. Power generation using biomass collected from energy plantations could beconsidered as a suitable renewable option, especially in remote areas, where power supply fromthe national grid is not easy. Such energy plantations can be successfully grown and maintainedby the communities in rural Sri Lanka, and it has a high potential as a means of povertyeradication and employment generation in those areas. Energy plantations also improve soilquality and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.Dendrothermal power generation is considered carbon neutral, as carbon emitted during powergeneration is absorbed by the energy plantations in photosynthesis. If a certain percentage of theplanned thermal power (coal) generation in future e-m be replaced with dendrothermal powergeneration, the country can profit by selling the avoided carbon in shifting to dendrothermalpower. Therefore dendrothermal power generation satisfies the criteria relevant to CDM. Thisstudy economically analyses the feasibility of havir ..g off-grid dendrothermal power generationas a potential CDM option, while evaluating socio-economic and other benefits associated withit.The study showed that the unit cost of dendrothermal power generation (US cts. 4.68) is slightlyhigher than that of coal (US cts. 4.34), but the country can significantly profit if the avoidedcarbon is sold at a reasonable price. Hence the study clearly shows that dendrothermal powergeneration is a viable option for CDM.