Original scientific paper
PERSPECTIVE AND POTENTIAL USE OF MISCANTHUS X GIGANTEUS CULTURE IN CROATIA
Nikola Bilandžija
; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The basic human needs, as well as all economic and non economic activities require energy consumption. Based on the energy scenarios (reduction of unsustainable energy reserve resources, constant increase of fossil fuel prices) and energy aspirations (safe, sustainable and continuous energy supply), the increased production and consumption of renewable energy on the global scale in the next ten years is expected. Renewable energy sources represent energy resources whose reserves are continuously or cyclically renewed and are used for the production of electrical and / or heat energy. Biomass that is obtained by cultivation of crops for energy production is also classified as renewable energy resources. The aim of cultivation of crops for energy production is production of highest quantity of biomass per unit of area and one of such crops is Miscanthus x giganteus. The main characteristics of grass Miscanthus x giganteus are: exceptional adaptability of cultivation to different climatic and soil conditions (from sea level up to 3000 m above sea level), the possibility of cultivation on low quality soils, it is natural sterile hybrid (there is no possibility of uncontrolled spread), high yields of dry matter per unit of area (average 15-20 t / ha), exceptional resistance to diseases and pests (pesticides treatment is not necessary), low fertilization demands and high energy value (17.05 to 19.21 MJ/kg). Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb has started research on Miscanthus x giganteus in 2011.
Keywords
"green" energy; CO2-neutral fuel; biomass; Miscanthus x giganteus
Hrčak ID:
132735
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2014.
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