A mixed integer nonlinear programming model for biomass production

Abstract

In this paper, a nonlinear model to maximize biomass production with specific nutritional quality is proposed. The model decides about kind of grasses and legumes to cultivate, quantities of each grasses and legumes chosen, the use of resources, and the proper time of harvest at which the biomass with specific nutritional quality is maximized. Model works with sufficient information about biomass yield, nutrient content, water requirements and fertilizer requirements of several crops, and it can explore all possible harvest times and choose the right time in which biomass production is maximized with desired nutritional quality. Furthermore, the solution gives to the producers additional information on weekly irrigation plan and weekly fertilizers plan for m 2 of cultivated grass. The model was tested on six scenarios using GAMS and obtained solutions are the global solution in each scenario.