Naslov
Estimation of Short Rotation Crops Potential in the Republic of Croatia: Illustration Case Within FP7 Project Biomass Energy Europe

Autori
Kajba, Davorin ; Domac, Julije ; Šegon, Velimir.

Izvornik
Šumarski list : znanstveno-stručno i staleško glasilo Hrvatskoga šumarskog društva (0373-1332) 135 (2011); 361-370

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Biomass Energy Europe; biomass potential assessment; short rotation crops

Sažetak
The overall objective of the FP7 Biomass Energy Europe – BEE project is to improve the accuracy and comparability of future biomass resource assessments for energy by reducing heterogeneity, increasing harmonisation and exchanging knowledge. One of the main results within the project is the development of the Methods Handbook for biomass potential assessment, which contains detailed description of the proposed methodology based on type of biomass and type of analysis (statistical, spatially explicit, integrated and others). The main objective of the Illustration case for Croatia performed within the BEE project is to estimate the energy and technical potential of fast-growing broadleaved species energy plantations on abandoned land or on land where agricultural production is not profitable. The methodology utilised is based on the BEE Methods Handbook. The main source of data used is contained within the Basic pedological map of the Republic Croatia, which forms the basis for the estimation of soil suitability for any kind of designated utilization. The theoretical potential for short rotation energy crops production in Croatia was estimated as following: • Forest area suitable for energy crops – a total of 51 200 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing in total 470 200 t DM/y or 8, 7 PJ • Agricultural areas with moderately suitable soils and limited soil suitability – a total of 617 000 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing a total of 7 404 000 t DM/y or 136, 2 PJ The technical potential for short rotation energy crops production in Croatia was estimated as following: • Forest area suitable for energy crops – a total of 46 850 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing in total 430 000 t DM/y or 7, 9 PJ • Agricultural areas with moderately suitable soils and limited soil suitability – a total of 235 650 ha was estimated to be suitable for SRC, producing a total of 2 827 800 t DM/y or 52, 1 PJ In spite of the considerable potential for short rotation energy crops production, currently a very small amount of the available area is utilised in Croatia. The issues and problems to be addressed in order to increase this production include a change in policy approach, especially aimed at small landowners, introduction of incentives and subsidies, lack of knowledge and experience in growing energy crops and generally a lack of cooperation between relevant stakeholders.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Šumarstvo

POVEZANOST RADA