Bio-agronomic behaviour and an initial study of the energy properties of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun crop residues

Abstract

In recent years, the agro-energy sector has become of considerable importance, both as a vehicle towards realising the objectives established by the Kyoto protocol and as a means of meeting the ever increasing demand for energy. Biofuels represent one of the most promising forms of renewable energy due to their wide range of applications, although limited by the fact that they do not compete on a cost level with fossil fuels. This study takes a look at the bio-agronomic response and the physical and energetic properties of crop residues of a selection of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun accessions in order to evaluate integrating oilseed production with lignocellulosic residues, which remain in the field after harvesting, for energy production purposes and, as a consequence, render crop production more competitive on the renewable energies market. Results of the study show a good level of adaptability of the two species to the experimental area with satisfactory yields, and crop residues with moderate potential for use in energy production.