Potentials For Agro-Energy Crops Production: Example Of Miscanthus Cultivation In Serbia

Abstract

in accordance with priorities of sustainable development in Serbia, production and use of biomass is crucial for provision of annually renewable national sources of energy and for environmental quality conservation. Rural development has typically focused on improving agricultural production and promoting market orientation, however, as the examples of other countries in the EU accession process have shown (e.g. Slovakia), such an approach could threaten the survival of rural population. Biomass production is one of the key sectors with significant potential for diversification of rural economy. The results of multiannual research work supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia through national scientific projects and several international initiatives are summarized in this paper. The research activities focus on Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu. The production potentials of miscanthus on fertile and degraded soils were investigated since 2009 in experimental plots established on moderate and extremely degraded lands in Serbia, applying various agrotechnical measures in different ecological conditions. The results show that fertile agricultural land as well as moderate degraded areas provide suitable conditions for miscanthus biomass and viable rhizomes production for energy and ecoremediation purposes.

Production of Agri-Energy Crop Miscanthus gigantheus on Land Degraded by Power Industry: SWOT Analysis

“…The agrochemical properties of the soil at the investigated sites (arable land in the zone of influence of TPP Kolubara A, control soil outside the impact zone, ash and sludge from the TPP Kolubara A disposal and overburden from open pit coal mine MB Kolubara) indicate their limited fertility as they contain a little N (0.10% with overburden, 0.12-0.14%. in ash, 0.12-0.26% in soil) as well as organic C (2.64% in ash, 0.64% in overburden and 2.12 do 5.06% in soil) [20,29]. In all investigated soils pH is close to neutral (6.40-7.89).…”

“…The basis for SWOT analysis in this paper used the empirical results obtained in pot trials and field experiment at the investigated area [20,23,29,38]. In analyzing the strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T), the environmental aspects of the production of miscanthus at the locations of MB Kolubara were considered ( Table 3).…”

“…The cultivation of energy crops on arable land should be avoided because it takes the place of food production [17]. Miscanthus giganteus, energy lignocellulosic crop of the 2 nd generation, is tolerant to heavy metals (HM) in the substrate and with low fertility requirements [18][19][20]. On the other hand, this grass's development of aboveground organs (stems and leaves) begins in the spring with maximum yields at the end of the autumn.…”

Miscanthus x giganteus as a building material - lightweight concrete

“…After the third year, miscanthus reaches the height of about 3 m, so that the aboveground biomass is collected, dried, and further treated depending on the purpose. This type of miscanthus shows the properties of a good soil remediator, so its application is widespread to phytoremediate contaminated sites [3]. Miscanthus plantations create additional habitats for plant and animal species, while the biomass can be used in the production of pellets and briquettes.…”