Harvesting and Baling of Pruned Biomass in Apple Orchards for Energy Production

Arkadiusz Dyjakon
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Arkadiusz Dyjakon: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Pruning residues belong to the agricultural wastes generated in the agro-food processing sector, whose energetic potential can have a significant influence on the local energy market. This study is focused on the assessment of the feasibility of using apple tree pruning residues in the form of bales for energetic purposes. The research was performed in a commercial apple orchard located in the central-western part of Poland, an area characterized by the largest concentration of apple orchard in Europe. The biomass yield, pruned bales quality, energy input and output flow, as well as the economic sustainability of the pruning-to-energy strategy were evaluated. The results indicated the available collected biomass potential in an amount of 0.69 t DM ?ha −1 per year. Pruned biomass analysis showed a moisture content of 45.1% in the fresh material, the ash content was 0.8% dry mass, and the lower heating value was 18.05 MJ?kg −1 dry mass. Total production cost, including all steps and avoided cost of mulching, was 74.7 €?t −1 dry mass. Moreover, the net energy balance of this value chain was very positive, giving a value of ca. 12,000 MJ?ha −1 per year. As a result, the yearly harvested pruned biomass may be considered a good energy source for local heating systems.

Keywords: pruning; agricultural residues; biomass harvesting; bales; energy; production cost (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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