Title:
In Search of Sustainable Energy Cropping Systems for a Mediterranean Environment: Comparison of Several Long-Term Studies
Author(s):
Nassi o di Nasso, N., Roncucci, N., Bosco, S., Ragaglini, G., Tozzini, C., Bonari, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Global climate change and energy security have been driving the search for economically viable and environmentally sustainable, non-fossil energy sources since the 90s in the EU. This paper describes part of the work within the ENERMED Project, a transnational cooperation project implemented in the MED program and financed by the EU. The objective of the present study is to describe the productive performances of several long term annual and perennial energy cropping systems and to assess their sustainability through agro-ecological indicators. The analyzed cropping systems were: poplar short rotation coppice, giant reed, miscanthus, fibre sorghum and a six year crop rotation that included sugar beet, durum wheat, grain sorghum, sunflower and durum wheat. All the crops were grown in Central Italy in rainfed field trials. The analyzed indicators were: aboveground dry yield, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen use efficiency, land use and production cost. Results showed that perennial crops are characterised by better performances compared to annual crops, not only regarding the yields but also for the agro-ecological indicators. In particular, giant reed seems to be the most promising crop for energy use in the Mediterranean area due to its high yield and to its low environmental impact. Nonetheless, in order to achieve a more exhaustive perspective, the number of indicators should be increased. Moreover there is a need to move beyond the biomass production phase, embracing also the storage and the biomass conversion phases.
Keywords:
energy balance, greenhouse gases (GHG), perennial energy crops, sustainability
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CO.9.3
Pages:
212 - 216
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1CO.9.3
Price:
FREE
