Energy Crop Production Research Articles

Considerable energy crop production potentials in the Russian Far East

High-latitude regions are not traditionally considered for energy crop production due to unfavorable production conditions, e.g., low temperatures and short growing seasons. However, with increasing pressures on land use in warmer regions, rising global food demands, and climate change, shifting energy crop production to cold climate regions has become a desirable alternative. Increasing attempts have been made in recent decades to cultivate cold-tolerant energy crops in high latitudes. This study aims to assess the potential biomass and bioenergy productivities of willow, poplar, and miscanthus over the Russian Far East (RFE) federal district, with a yield-predicting model built on newly published data from high latitude. We evaluated the potentials of energy crop production and greenhouse gas mitigation in RFE under three land use scenarios. Our analysis reveals that the RFE has the potential to produce 1.3 × 109 Mg of biomass per year on 215 Mha of spare land with an average yield of 6 Mg ha−1 under the most extensive land conversion scenario, which can be converted to 24 EJ of bioenergy and thus lead to a net mitigation of 4.1 × 108 Mg CO2e greenhouse gas emissions. The productivity and mitigation potential remain substantial (78 % of the most extensive land conversion scenario) under the scenario that all the RFE's existing croplands and forests are preserved. Our assessment offers valuable insights into the potential of energy crop development in the RFE and other high-latitude regions globally, presenting a novel land-use solution for a low-carbon future.

Agrivoltaic system design tools for managing trade-offs between energy production, crop productivity and water consumption

Agrivoltaic systems that locate crop production and photovoltaic energy generation on the same land have the potential to aid the transition to renewable energy by reducing the competition between food, habitat, and energy needs for land while reducing irrigation requirements. Experimental efforts to date have not adequately developed an understanding of the interaction among local climate, array design and crop selection sufficient to manage trade-offs in system design. This study simulates the energy production, crop productivity and water consumption impacts of agrivoltaic array design choices in arid and semi-arid environments in the Southwestern region of the United States. Using the Penman–Monteith evapotranspiration model, we predict agrivoltaics can reduce crop water consumption by 30%–40% of the array coverage level, depending on local climate. A crop model simulating productivity based on both light level and temperature identifies afternoon shading provided by agrivoltaic arrays as potentially beneficial for shade tolerant plants in hot, dry settings. At the locations considered, several designs and crop combinations exceed land equivalence ratio values of 2, indicating a doubling of the output per acre for the land resource. These results highlight key design axes for agrivoltaic systems and point to a decision support tool for their development.

Integration of Solar Energy in Agriculture Leads to Green Energy and Golden Crop Production

The incorporation of solar energy in agriculture presents a multitude of advantageous economic and environmental outcomes. This chapter examines the basic principles of solar energy, including its mechanisms and many technologies. The text explores practical implementations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, climate regulation in greenhouses, and solar-powered farm machinery. The potential of advanced technology such as agrivoltaics, solar-powered sensors, and vertical farming with solar integration is being investigated to optimize land usage, improve precision farming, and promote resource efficiency. The economic feasibility of utilizing solar energy in agriculture is proven by doing a comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits, while also taking into account any available incentives. The focus is on the environmental benefits, such as the reduction of carbon emissions and the conservation of resources. Case studies from prominent nations and local examples of achievement demonstrate the wide range of uses for solar-integrated agriculture. Promising future possibilities encompass the development of advanced solar technology and improved efficiency.

PHYTOPARASITIC NEMATODES OF THREE ENEGRY CROPS FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

The literature review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of scientific research aimed at studying the interaction of phytoparasitic nematodes with energy crops such as Miscanthus, Jerusalem artichoke, and paulownia, as well as examining the factors influencing the spread of these nematodes in cultivation systems of three biofuel crops: giant Miscanthus, velvetleaf, and Jerusalem artichoke. The research is grounded in analyzing the interaction between nematodes and the yield of these crops, along with the potential positive impact of nematode communities from different trophic groups on soil quality and phytoremediation. Special attention is given to phytoparasitic nematodes, which are among the most widespread soil pests of plants. Considering the interaction between nematodes and energy crops is crucial for developing resilient and efficient cultivation systems that ensure high yields and preserve the biodiversity of soil ecosystems.The research concludes that phytoparasitic nematodes have a significant negative impact on the cultivation of energy crops, particularly giant miscanthus. However, certain climatic, chemical, and physical conditions are conducive to the formation of nematode communities that can positively affect soil quality and maintain its fertility. The review provides an overview of three energy crops for biofuel production (giant Miscanthus, velvetleaf, and Jerusalem artichoke), highlighting the nematode pests associated with each of these crops, which have been found in the rhizosphere of plants over many years of published research. Attention is also given to the negative impact of phytoparasitic nematodes on the cultivation of energy crops, especially Miscanthus. However, it has been observed that certain climatic, chemical, and physical conditions favor the formation of nematode communities that can positively influence soil quality and maintain its fertility. This work is significant for the development of strategies to manage the population levels of various trophic levels of nematodes, especially phytoparasitic ones, particularly in the context of cultivating promising energy crops for biofuel production. Additionally, the review describes the important influence of phytoremediation on the population of nematode communities in the soil. The obtained results can serve as a basis for further research in this field and the implementation of effective methods to preserve soil fertility and increase the productivity of energy crops. Furthermore, the findings of this literature review can contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable methods for cultivating energy crops, thereby aiding in the conservation of natural resources and reducing the impact of agricultural activities on the environment.

Balancing energy harvesting and crop production in a nanofluid spectral splitting covering for an active solar greenhouse

This work represents a nanofluid spectral splitting (NSS) covering applied to the greenhouse roof to achieve the co-production of crops and energy harvesting. NSS is a hollow structure composed of highly light-transmissive rigid materials with 10 mm thick 0.005 vol% ATO-WO3 nanofluids circulating in the hollow layer with a flow rate of 400 L/h. To study the growth response of plants in the NSS greenhouse (NSS-G), plant cultivation experiments and photothermal tests were carried out. The energy analysis and performance estimation of NSS-G were proved. The results show that NSS-G can absorb 77.9% of the solar energy within 800–1500 nm wavelengths to generate heat. Compared with the conventional hollow covering greenhouse (Air-G), NSS-G can reduce the temperature of indoor air and plant leaves by 6.3 °C and 8.7 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, 76.6% of sunlight within 300–800 nm wavelengths is transmitted to plants for photosynthesis. The results of plant growth experiments showed that, in comparison with Air-G, the photosynthetic rate in NSS-G reduced by 6.5%, but plant dry weight was increased by 4.3% and there was no significant difference in biochemical component contents. It proved that it is feasible to use NSS as the covering of the greenhouse roofs, and the total solar energy utilization efficiency in NSS-G was more than 55%.

Agrivoltaics in Color: Going From Light Spectra to Biomass

AbstractAgrivoltaics (AV), conceived in the early 1980s, promise to ameliorate competition between solar energy generation and crop production for arable land. The premise behind AV is that excess light not used in photosynthesis can be used for energy production. There are opportunities for maximizing photosynthesis by targeting particular wavelengths (e.g., red) to be transmitted through semi‐transparent photovoltaic (PV) cells depending on crop type and environmental conditions. Camporese and Abou Najm (2022, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EF002900) developed a numerical model that accommodates the various wavelengths of the incoming light spectrum to predict photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration. This commentary seeks to place those and other recent findings about the modifications to the plant micro‐environment by PV cells in the context of maximum attainable aboveground biomass.

Enhancing energy potential of sweet sorghum by biomass ash compost in the context of climate change and agroecosystem

Recycling renewable energy waste, nutrient-rich biomass ash, via composting for biofuel crop fertilization is feasible for integrating waste and crop production to close the nutrient loop and mitigate greenhouse gaseous emissions. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutrient-rich compost on energy crop production, energy yield, and carbon input to the soil via the root under two different agroclimatic conditions. Compost treatments exhibited superior biomass growth in both sweet sorghum cultivars landrace and Gulseker in both regions. The effect was more potent in the temperate region (Sakarya) due to evenly precipitation during the entire plant growth period. On the other hand, biomass ash compost treatments induced higher Brix values in a region with high solar energy and hot and dry (Bitlis). However, the maximum juice yield (2387 L ha−1) and juice ethanol yield (1583 L ha−1) were obtained from the Sakarya region with cultivar Gulseker due to its high cane yield (68.76 t ha−1). The energy yield of sweet sorghum bagasse ranged from 92 to 282 GJ ha−1, and the maximum value was obtained from compost treatment in Sakarya regions. Compost also promoted an increase in the carbon content of root tissue, and sweet sorghum can bind around 1250 kg ha−1 recalcitrant forms of carbon to the soil via root tissue. Overall results indicate beneficial effects of compost on plant growth, biomass fuel, and root carbon storage in the soil, which could help waste management and agriculture together towards biofuel production with a more circular economy.

Assessment of the Prospects of Polish Non-Food Energy Agriculture in the Context of a Renewable Energy Source

This paper describes examples of energy crops that are profitable to burn, and whose cultivation is not complicated or expensive. Rapid growth of biomass, especially the green mass of energy crops, is indicated, which means that, in relation to fossil fuels, energy crops are considered renewable raw materials. An assessment of Polish non-food energy agriculture was conducted in the context of the prospects of a renewable energy source, namely, biomass. Recommendations for crop cultivation, the size of possible yields and the most important parameters of the obtained biomass, which have the greatest impact on the suitability of energy use, are presented. Materials of biological origin for combustion are divided into three groups: wood waste, by-products and plant products for the energy industry. It is indicated that 2 tons (Mg) of dry wood or straw is energetically equivalent to 1 Mg of coal, and 1 m3 of biogas is energetically equivalent to 1 kg of Polish coal. A novelty of this article is the interpretation of obtaining primary energy, including energy from renewable sources, in the European Union and Poland, taking into account the production of wood waste, straw, cereals and energy crops. The mechanism of the impact of the production parameters of energy crops was revealed during the prepared analysis of the prospects of Polish energy agriculture. Additionally, we conducted an analysis of the potential of biomass as a source of energy in the context of: obtaining primary energy, including energy from renewable sources, in the European Union and Poland; the number of biogas plants in Poland; and the area of agricultural land that is potentially useful for the cultivation of energy crops.

Estimating the potential impact of climate change on energy crop productivity in Thailand: an empirical study of sugarcane, cassava, and oil palm using panel data analysis

Estimating the potential impact of climate change on energy crop productivity in Thailand: an empirical study of sugarcane, cassava, and oil palm using panel data analysis

Effects of Energy Crop Monocultures and Sewage Sludge Fertiliser on Soils and Earthworm Community Attributes

Biomass is one of the most significant renewable energy sources. Doubts arise from large-area plantations of energy monocultures, which can lead to the depletion of, and a decrease in, soil biodiversity. Community association analyses of Lumbricidae may help to indicate environmental change. Therefore, the study objectives were to determine the qualitative and quantitative diversity of Lumbricids in plantations of energy crops—basket willow (Salix viminalis L.), foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)—by investigating the following cultivation treatments: SV and SVSS—S. viminalis without (w/o) and with the addition of sewage sludge to the soil (+SS); PT and PTSS—P. tomentosaw/o and + SS; RP and RPSS—R. pseudoacaciaw/o and +SS; and MW—meadow community. A significantly higher density (p < 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05) of earthworms were found in the SV and SVSS plantations than in other sites. The application of sewage sludge contributed to a significant increase in the mean number and biomass of all Lumbricids within cultivations of S. viminalis and R. pseudoacacia, which were significantly higher than those in the control site. This work suggests that woody energy crop production with an appropriate selection of plants and fertilisation can be a favourable habitat for the development of earthworm populations.

Method for assessing the potential of miscanthus on marginal lands for high temperature heat demand: The case studies of France and Belgium

AbstractEnergy crops on marginal lands are seen as an interesting option to increase biomass contribution to the primary energy mix. However, in the literature there is currently a lack of integrated assessments of margin land availability, energy crop production potential and supply chain optimisation. Assessing the potential and the cost of these resources in a given region is therefore a difficult task. This work also emphasises the importance on a clear definition and discussion about marginal lands and the related ethical issues embedded in the concept to ensure positive societal impacts of the results. This study proposes a methodology to estimate and analyse, in terms of economic costs, the potential of miscanthus grown on marginal lands from the production to the final point of use. Different datasets are assembled and a supply chain optimisation model is developed to minimize the total cost of the system. Miscanthus is used as a representative energy crop for the Belgian and French case studies. High temperature heat demand is considered as final use. The miscanthus can be traded by truck either in the form of chips or pellets. The results show that the miscanthus on marginal lands could supply high temperature heat up to 38 TWh in France and 1.4 TWh in Belgium with an average cost of around 50 €/t. The different sensitivity analyses showed that the yield variation has the strongest influence on the final cost, together with the distances and the cost of production of miscanthus. The main pattern observed is the local consumption of miscanthus chips and export of the surplus (if any) to the neighbouring regions. Pellets are only of marginal interest for France and are never observed for Belgium. Distances and availability of sufficient feedstocks are the two main parameters impacting the production of pellets.

Agrivoltaics: The Environmental Impacts of Combining Food Crop Cultivation and Solar Energy Generation

The demand for food and renewable energy is increasing significantly, whereas the availability of land for agricultural use is declining. Agrivoltaic systems (AVS), which combine agricultural production with solar energy generation on the same area, are a promising opportunity with the potential to satisfy this demand while avoiding land-use conflicts. In the current study, a Consequential Life-Cycle Assessment (CLCA) was conducted to holistically assess the environmental consequences arising from a shift from single-use agriculture to AVS in Germany. The results of the study show that the environmental consequences of the installation of overhead AVS on agricultural land are positive and reduce the impacts in 15 of the 16 analysed impact categories especially for climate change, eutrophication and fossil resource use, as well as in the single score assessment, mainly due to the substitution of the marginal energy mix. It was demonstrated that, under certain conditions, AVS can contribute to the extension of renewable energy production resources without reducing food production resources. These include maintaining the agricultural yields underneath the photovoltaic (PV) modules, seeking synergies between solar energy generation and crop production and minimising the loss of good agricultural land.

Review of Semi-closed Greenhouse Previous Studies and Required Technology Analysis for Improving Energy Efficiency

Purpose: With the spread of smart farms in Korea, there is a clear tendency to consume electricity and heat energy in the agricultural sector. In line with the carbon-neutrality policy, measures to reduce energy in the greenhouse industry should be developed. Although Korea is currently focusing on expanding the number of smart farms, developed countries such as the Netherlands have been researching and developing semi-closed greenhouses, which increase crop productivity and improve energy efficiency, since the early 2000s. In this study, the necessity of a semi-closed greenhouse, which is being introduced as an alternative to the existing greenhouse technology, was considered, and the applied technology elements were examined and directions for future research were suggested. Method: From 2005 to 2020, we analyzed 26 foreign papers and articles on semi-closed greenhouses. Semi-closed greenhouse research was conducted from the viewpoints of energy efficiency and crop productivity improvement. Result: A semi-closed greenhouse starts by closing the windows on the roof, to use the surplus heat produced during summer or during daytime in winter. The technological elements used in the efficient environmental control of semi-closed greenhouses are 1) heat storage, 2) air treatment system, 3) air conditioning system, 4) heating system, and 5) dehumidifier system. Semi-closed greenhouse systems have been introduced and proven in Europe. It is necessary to verify the system suitability for the hot and humid Korean climate in summer and study the energy efficiency performance of each element.

Determining spatially varying profit‐maximizing management practices for miscanthus and switchgrass production in the rainfed United States

AbstractDetermining optimal management practices for the profitable production of perennial energy crops is critical for scaling up production beyond experimental levels. Although many experimental field studies have examined the effects of management practices on the performance of miscanthus and switchgrass, there are no recommendations for economically optimal nitrogen (N) application rates and how they should vary spatially and with the age of the energy crop as well as on optimal rotation age of the energy crop to maximize profits. We develop a modeling framework to determine economically optimal crop management decisions and simulate the variability under various scenarios for miscanthus and switchgrass production across 2287 counties in the rainfed United States. We find that profit‐maximizing N recommendations for these crops vary across maturity stages and regions and can increase the landowner's profits compared with a uniform N rate across ages and regions. We also find that the optimal rotation for these crops is shorter than the productive physical lifespan (15–20 and 10 years for miscanthus and switchgrass, respectively). Specifically, the N rate that maximizes the economic returns is negligible for miscanthus and 111 kg ha−1 for switchgrass production at age 2. The mean profit‐maximizing N rate increases with age for miscanthus, peaking at 151 kg ha−1 at age 11 before declining to 114 kg ha−1 at the optimal rotation age of 13 years while that for switchgrass is 150 kg ha−1 for middle‐aged stands and declines to 114 kg ha−1 at the optimal rotation of 8–9 years. We find that miscanthus is the most profitable energy crop in the northern region of the rainfed United States while switchgrass is most profitable in the south of the rainfed United States. Our findings are useful for improving assessments of the profitability of energy crops and guiding future management decisions by landowners.

Profit‐maximizing of perennial energy crop production through optimized management practices: A commentary on Zhang et al. (2022)

I was invited to make a brief commentary on a recent article titled “Determining Spatially Varying Profit‐Maximizing Management Practices for Miscanthus and Switchgrass Production in the Rainfed United States” published in GCBB by Zhang et al. (2022). In the work, they propose management practices to maximize profitability through economically optimal N fertilizer application, temporal and spatial variation, and optimal age rotation of two energy crops. This interesting and thoroughly investigated result would be instructive for the applications of perennial energy crops.

Dual production of solar energy and important plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients: Artemisinin, a pilot study

• An simulated agrivoltaic system for the dual production of renewable energy and medicinal plants was investigated. • Artemisia annua plants that were shaded produced 20% more artemisinin than plants that were not shaded. • It seems possible to grow important high-value crops while also producing renewable photovoltaic energy. Agrophotovoltaics is a relatively new field of research where land is used for the production of both solar energy and various suitable (food) crops. Due to persistent rolling blackouts in South Africa, and a dire need to invest in renewable energy, a pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility to produce high value active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) yielding plants in combination with solar energy. In this study, solar panels were simulated by removing direct sunlight from Artemisia annua plants, and the concentration of the API, artemisinin, was determined and compared to control plants exposed to full sunlight. The impact of a low light regime on the biosynthesis of artemisinin was therefore investigated. Samples were collected from the shaded plants as well as from the control plants and artemisinin content quantified with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to determine the influence on the number and morphology of glandular trichomes which are believed to be the site of artemisinin production and/or storage. The shaded plants were found to contain roughly 20% more artemisinin as compared to the control plants. Scanning electron microscopy analysis could not establish a clear indication of the impact on the glandular trichomes due to a dense layer of filamentous trichomes obscuring the glandular trichomes in the sun exposed leave material. This pilot study indicates in principle that low maintenance solar panels may be used for energy generation and in practical enhancement of artemisinin content.

Nitrogen flow in livestock waste system towards an efficient circular economy in agriculture.

The race is on to achieve an important level of efficiency in the attainment of a circular economy in agriculture especially with the aim of sustainable nitrogen management. This cycle in the agricultural sector cuts across livestock farming, agriculture-induced waste generation, recycling and utilization, energy generation, crop production, ecosystem protection and environmental management through the mitigation of climate changes. In this work, we assess the process and functionalities of livestock waste generated from the piggery farm and their combinations with other by-products such as biochar and ash in comparison with mineral fertilization as sources of nitrogen applied in agricultural soil. The experiment was performed in a controlled environment with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a neutral and an acidic soil. Pig manure was used as the primary feedstock, fed and processed to biogas and nutrient-rich digestate by the anaerobic digestion process. The results revealed that the co-amendments of pig manure digestate with biochar and ash had complimentary positive effect on measured indices such as mobile potassium, phosphorus, biomass yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The mineral nitrogen fertilizer significantly induced carbon dioxide emissions from day 35 when compared to emissions from the organic amendments. In contrast, the organic amendments influenced nitrous oxide emissions from the onset till day 30 before flattening out. The individual combination of pig manure digestate with biochar and ash had a negative influence on enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase). Soil microbial biomass carbon was induced across all treatments in both soil types. Pig manure digestate + ash and pig manure digestate had 32.1 and 48.8% soil microbial biomass increase in neutral soil and acidic soil, respectively. Overall, the processing and application of single-use amendment or in combination with biochar and ash holds huge potential in the optimization of nitrogen and carbon efficiency towards sustainable soil management via improving soil quality, carbon sequestration and climate change.

How diet portfolio shifts combined with land-based climate change mitigation strategies could reduce climate burdens in Germany

Many studies have analysed the environmental impact of vegan, vegetarian, or reduced meat diets. To date, literature has not evaluated how diet shifts affect environmental impacts by utilising portfolios which reflect personal nutrition preferences. Further, changing diets could alter the available land for non-food uses. This paper defines novel diet portfolios to outline alternative diet transitions and choices within the population and finds their effect on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primary energy use, and land use in Germany. The aim of this study is to capture how these diet shifts affect land availability and increase the options for land-based climate change mitigation strategies. To do so, a contextualisation is made to compare the use of freed-up land for afforestation or biomethane production (with and without carbon capture and storage). The investigated diet portfolios lead to a reduction of the investigated impacts (GHG emissions: 7–67%; energy use: 5–46%; land use: 6–64%). Additionally, afforestation of freed-up land from each diet portfolio leads to further emission removals of 4–37%. In comparison, using the land to produce energy crops for biomethane production could lead to 2–23% further CO2-eq emission reductions when replacing fossil methane. If biomethane production is paired with carbon capture and storage, emission abatement is increased to 3–34%. This research indicates various short-term pathways to reduce GHG emissions with portfolio diet shifts. Utilising freed-up land for climate change mitigation strategies could prove essential to meet climate targets, but trade-offs with, e.g. biodiversity and ecosystem services exist and should be considered.

Cost–Benefit Analysis for Supply Chain of Renewable Gases from Perennial Energy Crops: The Case of Lithuania

The increasing production of renewable gases has been driving attention to perennial energy crop production, particularly the problem of choosing an attractive and effective way to produce the supply chain from the farmer to the biogas plant. The production of perennial energy crops for renewable gases may provide an excellent chance for a sustained bioeconomy and help to minimize the total environmental effect of the section. This study aims to demonstrate the scenarios associated with the production of five perennial energy crops, namely, Miscanthus, Switchgrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Common Sainfoin, and Lucerne, for renewable gases in the supply chain. The investigation was carried out utilizing cost–benefit methodology, during which a net benefit identification was executed by comparing the internal rate of return (IRR), payback period (PBT), and net present value (NPV), in addition to the benefit-cost ratio (RBC). According to the results, the best and most attractive perennial energy crops for biogas production include Miscanthus and Switchgrass. Perennial Ryegrass, Common Sainfoin, and Lucerne are not attractive crops for the supply chain of renewable gases. The earned revenue is too small to cover the costs of cultivation.

Accounting of growing energy willow in the system of managerial information technologies of energy crop production

Accounting of growing energy willow in the system of managerial information technologies of energy crop production