The effect of sewage sludge on the energy balance of cup plant biomass production. A six-year field experiment in Poland

Krzysztof Józef Jankowski, Barbara Kołodziej, Bogdan Dubis, Danuta Sugier, Jacek Antonkiewicz and Artur Szatkowski

Energy, 2023, vol. 276, issue C

Abstract: Sewage sludge (SS) can be used in crop production to reduce the demand for non-renewable resources. The aim of this study, conducted in Poland (2008–2013), was to determine the influence of SS rates (0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 Mg ha−1 dry matter – DM) on the energy balance of cup plant biomass. In the first year, the energy inputs in biomass production ranged from 16.4 (without SS) to 31.9–102.7 GJ ha−1 (with SS), where root cuttings accounted for 59% (without SS) and 9–30% (with SS) of total energy inputs. In years 2–6, energy inputs were 7–18 (≤20 Mg ha−1 DM) and 16–40 times lower (≥40 Mg ha−1 DM). Dry matter yield ranged from 6.88 (year 1) to 7.03–19.50 Mg ha−1 y−1 (years 2–6). When applied at 10 Mg SS ha−1 DM increased dry matter yield by 36%, energy output by 43%, energy gain by 43%, and energy efficiency ratio by 25%, relative to the control. A further increase in the SS rate was not productive in terms of agronomic or energy efficiency. The application 10 Mg SS ha−1 DM optimized yields and the energy value of cup plant biomass.

Keywords: Renewable energy; Perennial lignocellulosic crops; Recycled fertilizers; Biomass yield; Lower heating value; Energy efficiency of agrotechnology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:276:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223008721

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127478

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