Wood Logs Research Articles

Heating energy balance and biomass consumption for the residential sector in the Po Valley

In Northern Italy, woody biomass is widely used as an energy carrier for domestic heating systems; this leads to lower CO2 emissions, but some concerns are due to particulate matter emissions. The present paper compares three methodological approaches to estimate biomass consumption for residential heating in the Italian Po Valley using data aggregation and dynamic simulations. The first deals with the recent sample survey carried out within the LIFE + PREPAIR project, which quantifies the number and age of biomass appliances and estimates their consumption. The second approach consists of indirect estimation of biomass consumption based on reference buildings’ dynamic simulations combined with data mining derived by institutional bodies. The third approach is a direct energy calculation which estimates the consumption starting from the biomass appliances stock. The different approaches have shown a good consistency with an estimated annual biomass consumption in the Po Valley ranging between 89 PJ and 95 PJ, corresponding to 15 % of the total fuel consumption. Part of this energy (14 %) is produced by the combustion of pellets (about 1 Mt) and the remaining part corresponds to the combustion of wood logs (about 5.5 Mt). These results show that, based on available information, multiple approaches to estimate residential biomass consumption can be adopted; applying the model to different years and case studies is desirable. This estimation is necessary as an input to air emission evaluation and, therefore, to support policy makers in implementing and monitoring effective air quality measures to reduce air pollution in the Po Valley.

Chemotaxonomic identification of Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura and Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana (Hayata) Rehder using characteristic compounds of wood essential oils

Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura and C. obtusa var. formosana (Hayata) Rehder are important, precious, and well-known species grown in Asia. Renowned for excellent natural durability, their wood logs are regularly used as quality building materials or furniture. However, these two species have similar appearances, e.g., leaf, twig, wood, hardly distinguishable by the naked eye. The purpose of the present study is to phytochemically differentiate these two species using volatile compounds from the woods. Wood essential oils were obtained by 6-h hydrodistillation. The chemical composition was identified by GC-MS, and semi-quantification was carried out to determine the content of each compound. Furthermore, compounds with a significantly higher content than those of the other species were screened by t-test and principal component analysis (PCA). Results from semi-quantification and t-test showed that C. formosensis contained higher content of cis-myrtanol (ratio 37.1 ± 19.8), chamaecynone (11.0 ± 6.7), and α-eudesmol (8.5 ± 7.9), while C. obtusa var. formosana comprised mainly of α-terpineol (30.2 ± 10.1) and borneol (24.0 ± 16.1). Moreover, PCA results showed that the representative compounds of C. formosensis were cis-myrtanol and chamaecynone, while those of C. obtusa var. formosana were α-terpineol, borneol, and α-cadinol. Taken together, the above-mentioned results suggested significant compositional differences between these two species. For distinguishing the two kinds of wood, C. formosensis should be easily identified by its two characteristic compounds: cis-myrtanol and chamaecynone; while C. obtusa var. formosana could also be distinguished by its characteristic compounds: α-terpineol and borneol.

Literasi Warga Desa Purwajaya, Terhadap Temuan dan Pemanfaatan Fosil Kayu

This activity intends to educate residents of Purwajaya Village with information, education, and awareness about the value of finding wood fossils in their area, and also provide input on the uses that can be made by the local residents who live near wood fossil finds. The discovery of the world's longest fossil wood log in Purwajaya Village, as well as in several other villages, attracts precious stone hunters and dealers who wish to dig up these historical natural resources assets to trade. If this trend continues, Borneo's botanical diversity would eventually decline. Most of the people are unaware of the hidden assets found in their village, namely fossil wood, and they are uninformed of the rewards they will receive if these assets are properly handled. The program took place in residential areas close to where the wood fossils were discovered, and it was entirely interactive. The activity stages include the presentation of wood fossils and continued discussions with residents. The results of the activity showed that the community's curiosity is very high, especially the people of Purwajaya Village towards the wood fossils found in their village, their history and its use. The activity went well, especially for the villagers as the participants from the Marga Mulya hamlet farmer group, Purwajaya Village. This can be seen from the discussion and the desire for similar activities to be carried out in the form of the practice of how to utilize fossil wood in the future.

A new oerstediid discovered from wood falls in the Sea of Kumano, Japan: Description of Rhombonemertes rublinea gen. et sp. nov. (Nemertea: Eumonostilifera)

Nemerteans in the family Oestediidae, 1993 occur worldwide, in various marine ecosystems from tropical to polar regions. Recent faunistic studies have revealed unexpected species diversity in upper bathyal to hadal zones, but nemertean taxonomic discoveries remain scarce there. In this study, a new genus and species, Rhombonemertes rublinea gen. et sp. nov. are described for specimens found inside sunken wood logs trawled from the Sea of Kumano, Japan. The new species is placed in the family Oerstediidae based on internal morphological characters (presence of two-layered musculature of the rhynchocoel wall and absence of a vascular plug), as well as on the phylogenetic position nested in Oestediidae revealed by molecular data. The new oerstediid resembles species in the emplectonematid Ischyronemertes Gibson, 1990 in having a short rhynchocoel, diagonal musculature in the body wall, anteriorly undivided longitudinal musculature of the body wall, precerebral septum, 4 eyes, and free-living lifestyle, but differs from all three species in Ischyronemertes in the lozenge-shaped head and lack of accessory nerves in the lateral nerve cords. Comparison of these morphological characters with currently known genera in Oerstediidae warrants the establishment of Rhombonemertes gen. nov.

Catalyst Activity Characterization and Proper Integration in Small‐Scale Biomass Combustion Systems

Catalysts can reduce emissions from biomass combustion systems. Efficient use in small-scale applications is challenging due to the variations of temperature, fluid flow, and flue gas composition. An analytical procedure was defined and evaluated with three commercial catalysts to realize efficient integration. The characterization included activity measurements at three facilities: a model gas analysis device, a laboratory-scale combustion system, and a wood log stove. The results demonstrate the possibilities of model gas analysis to define a scope of application and also the need for catalyst characterization under real operation conditions to determine the performance and stability of the final process. Temperature and gas hourly space velocity are the two main parameters influencing catalyst activity.

Ganoderma lucidum: Unutilized natural medicine and promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa.

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has been used for the prevention and treatment of different ailments to enhance longevity and health specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was known as “God’s herb” in ancient China as it was believed to prolong life, enhance the youthful spirit and sustain/preserve vitality. G. lucidum is seldom collected from nature and is substantially cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the international market demand. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on the copious metabolic activities of G. lucidum have been carried out. Varied groups of chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes with potent pharmacological activities have been isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. Several researchers have reported the abundance and diversification of its biological actions triggered by these chemical compounds. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic antiallergic, neuroprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic activities. Various formulations have been developed, patented, and utilized as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum extracts and active compounds. Thus, this review presents current updates on emerging infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum, an unutilized natural medicine as a promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa. However, details such as the chemical compound and mode of action of each bioactive against different emerging diseases were not discussed in this study.

Changes in the Key Physicochemical Parameters and Selected Trace Elements of Oil Due to Its Use in Hydraulic System of Woodworking Equipment

Abstract The research presented supported a comprehensive assessment of the condition of real oil samples of the HM quality class and VG 46 viscosity grade as functions of oil usage time in the hydraulic system of two round timber sorting and transport carriages (RSTWI and RSTWII) Baljer & Zembrod intended for handling wood logs by following the degradation and concentration of abrasive metals in the oil. The oil data were collected every Δ = 500 operating hours during one year by off-line monitoring of hydraulic oil. Measured values were compared to the acceptability limits. Multivariate associations were analysed using a principal component analysis (PCA; Statistica 12.0) to describe the patterns of co-variation among the examined traits. Based on the data obtained, it was observed that the oil in RSTWI was more oxidatively stressed in contrast to the oil in RSTWII despite it being subjected to an excessive wear mode.

LC/MS Q-TOF Metabolomic Investigation of Amino Acids and Dipeptides in Pleurotus ostreatus Grown on Different Substrates.

The well-established correlation between diet and health arouses great interest in seeking new health-promoting functional foods that may contribute to improving health and well-being. Herein, the metabolomic investigation of Pleurotus ostreatus samples grown on two different substrates (black poplar wood logs, WS, and lignocellulosic byproducts, LcS) revealed the high potential of such a mushroom as a source of bioactive species. The liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry combined with quadrupole time-of-flight (LC/MS Q-TOF) analysis allowed the identification of essential and nonessential amino acids along with the outstanding presence of dipeptides. Multivariate statistical models highlighted important differences in the expression of both classes of compounds arising from the growth of P. ostreatus strains on WS and LcS. The former, in particular, was correlated to an increased expression of carnitine-based amino acid derivatives and proline-based dipeptides. This finding may represent a potential strategy to drive the expression of bioactive compounds of interest to obtain enriched mushrooms or useful functional ingredients from them.

Production Capacity, Efficiency and Recovery Rates of Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula Lumber from Selected “WoodMizer” Band Sawmills in Kericho County, Kenya

Conservation of forests is slowly shifting into a more proactive approach such as efficient lumber conversion in sawmills. This suggests a need to explore the use of modern sawmilling machinery in lumber conversion that produces low residues, wastage, and hence high recovery. This study looked into the production capacity, efficiency, and recovery rates of Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula lumber from selected “WoodMizer” band saws (LT15, 20, and 40) sawmilling machinery in Kericho County, Kenya. Wood logs delivered to each respective sawmill yard were categorized into ten diameter classes, ranging from 10 to 59 cm for both species. Volume of four logs from each class and species was evaluated using Huber’s formula, (1995) and converted using through and through sawing techniques into lumber with each “WoodMizer” band saw. Volume of the lumber pieces and residues obtained were measured. The time taken during the conversion process was also recorded in order to determine the efficiency and lumber production capacity of each sawmill machines. Recovery of C. lusitanica gave average empirical values of 43%, 49%, and 53% in comparison with 39%, 34%, and 60% for P. patula using WoodMizer LT15, LT20, and LT40 respectively. P. patula produced the most residues at 61% and 66% compared to C. lusitanica at 57% and 51% per log volume for LT15 and LT20 respectively but less from LT40 (47%) for C. lusitanica and 40% for P. patula logs. WoodMizer LT40 recorded the highest daily production capacity for both C. lusitanica and P. patula (15.9 m3/day and 16.2 m3/day) respectively. This was followed by WoodMizer LT20 at 11.2 m3/ day and 9.6 m3/day for C. lusitanica and P. patula respectively. WoodMizer LT15 had the least production capacities of 8.8 m3/ day and 9.9 m3/ day for C. lusitanica and P. patula respectively. These results suggest adoption of “WoodMizer” band sawmilling in Kenya for sustainable forest resource.

Cones of Coniferous Taxa as a Potential Source of Bioactive Polyphenols

Background: Coniferous cones are a by-product of forestry and wood logging, used for many possible purposes, e.g., the extraction of polyphenols. Objective: The aim of the present article was the comparison of the antioxidant polyphenol content of the differently matured cones of 17 selected conifers, either common in Hungary or yet uninvestigated. Methods: Total polyphenol content, ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays were used to determine the antioxidant contents. A scoring system was implemented using the three assay results to evaluate and compare the overall antioxidant power of the samples. Result and Conclusion: Highest antioxidant contents were found in green cones, followed by mature and opened cones. Taxa with the highest scores were Tsuga canadensis, Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Thuja orientalis, Metasequoia glyptostroboides and Picea abies. For the samples with the highest overall antioxidant power the high-performance liquid chromatographic/ tandem mass spectrometric polyphenol profiling was carried out (green cones of T. canadensis and P. abies) and 83 compounds have been tentatively identified and described. Results contribute to the future bioactivity testing and evaluation of the cone extracts of T. canadensis and P. abies.

Computed Tomography as a Tool for Quantification and Classification of Roundwood—Case Study

The first goal of this paper is to verify the accuracy of four calculation methods of log volume. The tool to achieve this goal is to compare the results of the calculation of the log volume with the real log volume obtained from the three-dimensional reconstruction obtained by computed tomography. The second goal of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of displaying the qualitative features of wood in three-dimensional models of selected pieces of logs of oak, beech, and spruce, which were obtained using computed tomography. It is possible to state that each of the tested calculation methods of wood log volume are applicable in practice. The tested methods achieve excellent accuracy in determining the volume of spruce logs with a small variance of values, and conversely, in the case of beech wood, the tested methods are the most inaccurate with the largest variance of values. When determining the volume of wood logs, we recommend using the calculation method STN 48 0009, because it achieves the best results. Qualitative analysis based on CT scans of internal features can be described as a completely new level of approach to the evaluation of log quality. The performed analysis showed great potential for automatic detection of internal qualitative features in the tested spruce log. In this wood, wood defects are distinguishable by computed tomography. In the case of deciduous oak and beech, the situation is more complicated. The internal structure of these trees overlaps the internal qualitative features of the wood. To accurately detect internal errors in these trees, it will be necessary to perform many comparative tests to achieve optimal results.

Pest categorisation of Platypus apicalis.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Platypus apicalis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae), an ambrosia beetle, also known as a pinhole borer, for the EU territory. P. apicalis is a polyphagous pest native to New Zealand. The majority of its life cycle is spent inside tree wood, but it does not directly feed on plant tissue, instead larvae and adults feed on a symbiotic fungus (Sporothrix nothofagi which is pathogenic to Nothofagus spp.) vectored by adults and introduced when they bore tunnels into the host. P. apicalis feeds within a wide range of live, often stressed trees, in dead or dying hardwood and softwood trees, and fallen or felled trees. Successful reproduction can occur inside a number of living tree species including Castanea sativa, Pinus spp. and Ulmus spp. P. apicalis is not known to have established outside of New Zealand although findings have been reported in Australia. Whilst there are no records of interceptions of this species in the EU, platypodines are intercepted with solid wood packing material (SWPM) and Platypus species, but not P. apicalis, have been intercepted with wooden logs in Japan. Host plants for planting also provide a potential pathway. Hosts are grown widely across the EU in areas with climates comparable to those in New Zealand where the pest occurs suggesting that conditions in the EU are suitable for its establishment. If introduced into the EU, adults could disperse naturally by flight, perhaps tens or hundreds of metres. The movement of infested wood and host plants for planting within the EU could facilitate spread. Economic impacts in forestry and timber industries would result from the galleries created by P. apicalis and from wood staining caused by the symbiotic fungus. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit the entry of P. apicalis. P. apicalis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Nest preference and ecology of cavity-nesting bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in Punjab, Pakistan

• Artificial nest boxes, an effective tool for nesting and conservation of bees. • Colonization of bees helpful in studying ecology and nesting biology. • The efficacy of nest boxes depends on nesting materials and dimensions of cavities. • Bamboo and drilled wooden log is the most preferred nesting material. • Six bee species along with one parasitic bee did nesting in our nesting materials. Among bees, 85 % are solitary species, most of them are ground-nester and some are cavity-nesting and construct their nests in pre-existing cavities. This work was conducted to evaluate the substrate preference and nest architecture (acceptance, occupation percentage, seasonality and parasitism) of cavity-nesting bees in different substrates. Trap nests offered comprised five different materials (drilled cavities in wood, bamboo, cardboard tubes, plastic soda straws, and mud blocks). These were installed in four districts for two years. The nesting cavities of five different diameters (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm) were provided in each nesting material with an average length of 180 ± 9.92 mm. In all the materials, 5400 nesting cavities were offered, out of which 628 were colonized by bees from two families (Megachilidae and Apidae) and six species ( Megachile cephalotes, M. lanata, M. bicolor, Xylocopa basalis, X. fenestrata and Ceratina smaragdula ), including one parasitic bee ( Euaspis carbonaria ). The bee species differed significantly in occupying five nesting materials. The most preferred diameters were 8 mm and 10 mm, with 52.20% and 29.45% of colonization, respectively. Nesting was done throughout the year except in winter. This study will serve as a baseline for future studies and conservation programs of cavity-nesting bees in Pakistan.

Need, equity, and accountability

We report the results of a vignette study with an online sample of the German adult population in which we analyze the interplay between need, equity, and accountability in third-party distribution decisions. We asked participants to divide firewood between two hypothetical persons who either differ in their need for heat or in their productivity in terms of their ability to chop wood. The study systematically varies the persons’ accountability for their neediness as well as for their productivity. We find that participants distribute significantly fewer logs of wood to persons who are held accountable for their disadvantage. Independently of being held accountable or not, the needier person is partially compensated with a share of logs that exceeds her contribution, while the person who contributes less is given a share of logs smaller than her need share. Moreover, there is a domain effect in terms of participants being more sensitive to lower contributions than to greater need.

Environmental enrichment in dairy goats in a semi-arid region: Thermoregulatory and behavioral responses

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment on the thermoregulatory and behavioral responses of goats raised in semi-arid conditions. 12 Saanen goats lactating, aged between 2 and 4 years, clinically healthy with a mean body weight of 31.4 ± 1.65 kg and body condition score between 2.0 and 2.5 were used. The types of enriched environments used were: 1) without environmental enrichment (control); 2) classical music;3) PET plastic bottles with corn;4) suspended tires;5) logs of wood; and 6) all objects simultaneously. The air temperature, black globe tempeature and humidity index, and radiant heat load were higher (P < 0.05) during treatment with all objects simultaneously. The respiratory rate (RR) was higher (P = 0.001) in the control treatment compared to those with environmental enrichment. The rectal temperature (RT) was higher in the control and acoustic groups (P < 0.05), however it was lower with all objects. The coat surface temperature (CST) was higher (P < 0.01) in the control group and lower in the treatment with music, tires, logs of wood, PET bottles and all objects. The behaviors lying down, drinking water, urination, ruminating while standing, and defecating were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. The first two discriminant functions were significant (F1 and F2: P < 0.001) and discriminated 93.40% of the data variation. A static pattern was observed in the classification of goats in their group of origin for thermoregulatory and behavioral responses when a single type of enrichment was used with the formation of two more groups: (i) goats which had access to all enrichments simultaneously; and (ii) the control group. The offer of the diversity of various objects for environmental enrichment positively contributed to the thermoregulatory and behavioral responses, thereby providing well-being to the animals.

Dynamic characteristics of RC structures in short and long duration real fires

The change in the dynamic behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) structures after the fire events is still an unsolved issue for research communities and regulatory authorities. To fill the gap, this paper presents the experimental results of the shift in dynamic characteristics of a single scaled-down two-storey RC structure after exposure to short and long-duration real fires. The structure having normal strength concrete was constructed and well-instrumented with temperature sensors to obtain a large database of temperature profiles in the compartment and various element sections. Short Duration Fire Test (SDFT) of 20 min with a maximum temperature of 852 °C and Long Duration Fire Test (LDFT) of 100 min with a maximum temperature of 813 °C were created using wooden logs to represent a realistic office fire. The structure was further tested for dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes by gently hitting it with a mass source that generated an impulse leading to free vibration in the structure. The natural frequency reduction of 14.71% and 49.5% were observed after the structure was exposed to short and long duration fires respectively. The mode shapes after the fires also showed variation indicating damages in the structure due to fires. The study will be useful in understanding the dynamic behaviour of structures in short and long-duration real fires as well as it will serve as a database for numerical modelling of RC structures.

ASSERTIVENESS OF A LOG LENGTH SENSOR ALLOCATED IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS ON THE HARVESTER HEAD

Wood length variability can affect operational yield and productivity in harvesting and forest transport operations. Assertive lengths meet positive quality criteria for the product to cellulose factory delivered. Therefore, research is needed to assess assertiveness in measuring wood logs' length. Thus, the objective was to evaluate length sensor accuracy at different positions in the harvester head. The following treatments were defined: sensor coupled in measuring wheel without a protective piece (T1); sensor coupled in measuring wheel with protective piece (T2); sensor coupled in feed roller without protective piece (T3) and sensor coupled in feed roller with protective piece (T4). The study was carried in a eucalyptus plantation destined for the production of cellulose pulp and, through daily measurements of wood log length in the field, 8373 measurements were obtained. Data were submitted to ANAVA, mean tests (Tukey and Scott-Knott), Statistical Process Control (SPC) and frequency distribution. Treatments T1 and T3 presented average length corresponding to 6.46 m and 0.11 and 0.17 m standard deviation, respectively. T2 and T4 presented and average of 6.42 m and standard deviation equal to 0.12 and 0.16 m, respectively. treatment T1 presented assertive distribution frequencies, presenting 80% of the logs processed within the established limit (6.30 and 6.70 m) while T2, T3 and T4 presented 55%, 45% and 40%, respectively. It is concluded that the sensor coupled in measuring wheel and without the protective piece obtained greater accuracy in wood logs final length.

THE USE OF CAPTURED IMAGES BY REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT (RPA) IN MEASURING THE STACKED LOG VOLUME IN A STOCKYARD

Quantifying wood in industrial yards quickly, accurately and at low costs is of great importance for stock management and decision making. In this work, the volume of wood logs stacked in an industrial yard was quantified using aerial images with high spatial resolution obtained by remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The volumetric measurements were tested using the Structure from Motion with Multi-View Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry technique and compared with values obtained through the conventional manual measurement method. The aerial images were taken at three different flight heights of 60, 80 and 100 m installed at 10 ground control points using a GNSS RTK receptor. The aerial images were processed by digital photogrammetry software to generate digital surface models (DSM), which made it possible to obtain the volumetric measurements of the stacked wood. Thus, aerial images acquired at 60, 80 and 100 m altitude presented variations of 17.50%, 14.93% and 8.31%, respectively. After the statistical tests applied to the results of volumetric estimates, the SfM-MVS photogrammetry did not show significant differences for the conventional measurement method, indicating that the use of aerial images acquired by RPA can be a viable option to estimate the stacked wood volume in an industrial yard.

Heat Pumps, Wood Biomass and Fossil Fuel Solutions in the Renovation of Buildings: A Techno-Economic Analysis Applied to Piedmont Region (NW Italy)

The levelized cost of heat (LCOH) and the technical feasibility in the specific context of building construction or renovation are the major drivers of users’ choices for space heating and cooling solutions. In this work, the LCOH was assessed for the most diffused heating technologies in Piedmont (NW Italy): that is, fossil fuels (methane, heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas—LPG), wood biomass (wood logs and pellet) and heat pumps (air-source and ground-source), both in heating-only and in a heating and cooling configuration. A sensitivity analysis of the main LCOH drivers was performed to assess whether and how each technology is vulnerable to energy price and upfront cost changes. The results show that heat pumps are competitive against gas boilers, but they are heavily dependent on refurbishment incentives and penalized by the high electricity prices in Italy; on the other hand, wood biomasses are competitive even in the absence of incentives. The analysis confirmed that LPG and heating oil are no more competitive with renewable heating. Acting on the taxation of natural gas and electricity is key to making heat pumps the most economically convenient solution to cover the heating and cooling needs of buildings.

An Overview on the Production of Bio-briquettes from Agricultural Wastes: Methods, Processes, and Quality

Global energy demand is expected to increase in the next few years due to the corresponding increase in the world’s population. The world’s increasing energy demand is the ultimate reason to utilize alternate sources such as renewable energy. There are various forms of renewable energy sources. However, biomass is the always widely available source of renewable energy worldwide. Agricultural wastes such as rice husks, corn cobs, and bagasse results from various agricultural activities. These wastes are commonly left piled in the field to decompose or burn in open fires which consequently provide risks to the environment and animal and human health. The bio-briquettes product is suitable as an energy source commonly used for electricity generation, heat, and cooking fuel. They are the perfect replacement for wood logs. Hence, this review paper provides an overview of the utilization of various agricultural wastes into bio-briquettes. This review discusses the production, characterization, processing (preparation, size reduction, pyrolysis, binder addition, and densification -shaping and sizing), and quality evaluation methods of briquettes. This comprehensive review also presents the technology advancements, challenges, and future trends in the bio-briquetting industry.