Quantification of the residual biomass obtained from pruning of trees in Mediterranean almond groves

B. Velázquez-Martí, E. Fernández-González, I. López-Cortés and D.M. Salazar-Hernández

Renewable Energy, 2011, vol. 36, issue 2, 621-626

Abstract: This research quantified the available residual biomass obtained from pruning almond trees. The additional biomass quantified could be used as a source of energy or as raw material for the wood industry and would provide additional income for fruit producers and also a more sustainable system. Several factors were analyzed: Variety, aim of the pruning, age of the plants, size of the plantation, crop yield and irrigation. Regression models were also calculated to predict the weight of dry biomass obtained per tree and tonnes of dry biomass obtained per hectare according to the significant factors. These equations could implement logistic planning as the Borvemar model, which defines a logistics network for supplying bioenergy systems. Almond tree varieties were classified into three groups: a first group with high residual biomass productivity (average yield 12.6kg dry biomass/tree), a second group with low productivity (average yield 4.5kg dry biomass/tree) and a transition group with a intermediate biomass yield of 7kg dry biomass/tree. This means that in Mediterranean areas the residual biomass from almond pruning reaches an average 1.34t/ha annual.

Keywords: Borvemar model; Biomass supply; Biomass logistics; Biomass assessment; Ligneous biomass; Energy wood (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:36:y:2011:i:2:p:621-626

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2010.08.008

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