Machine Performance and Hog Fuel Quality Evaluation in Olive Tree Pruning Harvesting Conducted Using a Towed Shredder on Flat and Hilly Fields

Abstract

Pruning residues from olive groves represent an important biomass source. Until now, the management of pruning residue has generally represented a disposal problem rather than an opportunity for additional revenue. The main problem is the lack of a well-organized pruning biomass supply chain. In particular, harvesting is a key stage that influences the product quality, the type of logistics chain, and the economic sustainability of the pruning supply chain. The aim of the present paper was the evaluation of the machine performance of the Facma Comby TR200 towed shredder. The harvesting tests took place in Agios Konstantinos, Fthiotida, Central Greece. Two different experimental fields were used for the evaluation of this harvesting system; these fields were characterized by different slopes to check the convenience of using such a towed shredder on both hilly slopes and flat terrains. Analysis was conducted focusing on both the work productivity and costs. Moreover, an evaluation of the obtained hog fuel quality was performed. The Facma Comby TR200 showed good work performances on both flat (2.60 tdm·h−1) and hilly (2.74 tdm·h−1) land, even if a consistent influence of the pruning biomass yield on the work performances was reported. The biomass quality could be consistently improved by modifying the pick-up systems to avoid the collection of inert materials (soil and rocks). In fact, the analysis showed a high ash content in the comminuted material (4% dry basis). Finally, the economic aspects of this study’s results were in line with those reported in the literature. The applied harvesting system showed a cost equal to 29.88 and 16.59 €·tfm−1 on flat and hilly land, respectively.

A GIS Approach to Locate a Small Size Biomass Plant Powered by Olive Pruning and to Estimate Supply Chain Costs

“…The first harvesting scenario (SF) consisted of a shredder working on flat slopes (up to 5%) and the second with the towed shredder working on slopes up to 25% (SS). This harvesting system showed different harvesting costs per surface unit, depending on flat or hilly slopes applications [52].…”

“…The first system consists in pruning harvesting with a towed shredder. This system also requires a preliminary raking operation [52]. In detail, pruning residues are raked and then comminuted by the shredder which unload the hog fuel at a landing site out of the field.…”

Pellet Production from Woody and Non-Woody Feedstocks: A Review on Biomass Quality Evaluation

“…Apple pruning seems, instead, to be a better material for pelletization, with an ash content and LHV that met the ISO standards; however, problems linked to a low bulk density have been detected [74]. Regarding the issue of pellet production from pruning residues, a key aspect to be further investigated is the economical sustainability of the supply chain, considering that pruning collection represents a certain cost by itself [75,76], also in this case an interesting solution could be the development of mobile technologies for pellets production at the farm, thus limiting supply chain costs [73].…”

Herbaceous Oil Crops, a Review on Mechanical Harvesting State of the Art

“…The European Directives on Renewable Energy (RED I and RED II) [1] aim to increase the share of renewable energy up to 32% of overall domestic energy production by 2030. Agriculture plays a key role in such context [2]; indeed, this sector can contribute to bioenergy production both with the exploitation of agricultural residues [3][4][5][6] and with dedicated energy crops [7][8][9][10]. Concerning the latter strategy, biodiesel production from oil crops is crucial [11].…”