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| Home > Publications database > Towards a closer understanding of Sida: plant establishment, performance, and biomass utilization |
| Home > Publications database > Towards a closer understanding of Sida: plant establishment, performance, and biomass utilization |
| Conference Presentation (Invited) | FZJ-2018-07021 |
2018
Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/20324
Abstract: Due to an increased awareness of both climate change and limited fossil resources, the demand of alternative energy carriers such as biomass has risen significantly during the past years. This development is supported by the idea of a transition to a bio-based economy reducing fossil-based carbon dioxide emissions. Ambitious goals were set for the European Union (EU) in the Renewable Energy Directive taking into account specific objectives, aiming for “developing the decarbonisation potential of advanced biofuels” and “develop renewable energy potential in the heating and cooling sector”– to which biogenic solid fuels provide a substantial contribution. Based on the current trend, biomass for energy is expected to be used mainly for heating until the end of the decade.The perennial herbaceous mallow plant Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby, also known as Virginia fanpetals (hereafter referred to as Sida) attract growing interest for its potential as an alternative biomass plant for energy purposes.We present a cropping strategy for the cultivation of perennial plants on marginal soils using Sida hermaphrodita as a promising example. By combining the perennial species with organic fertilization in an extensive cropping system, the soil fertility increases over time, guaranteeing substantial biomass yields on marginal soils. Following the idea of a closed nutrient loop, we use digestate, an organic residue, as fertilizer and soil amendment. Legumes are intercropped to fix additional nitrogen into the plant-soil system and produce additional biomass, enriching the production system over time. The perennial nature of the energy crops strongly reduces the need for soil cultivation as well as pest and weed control. Subsequently, data on Sida biomass used as a solid fuel for combustion and biogas feedstock will be presented.We conclude that the combination of different extensive cropping strategies will enable farmers to increase the fertility of marginal soils, resulting in substantial biomass yields. Further, the extensive nature of the cropping system accommodates the ecological value of marginal soils. Overall, Sida biomass used as a solid fuel for combustion purposes appears to be the most promising option.
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