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Agriculture
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Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture
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Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecosystem, Environment and Climate Change in Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 16027

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Dongyang Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
Interests: agricultural waste resource utilization; lignocellulose decomposition; lignocellulose enzyme system and microbial organic fertilizer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural waste production exceeds hundreds of megatons per year worldwide, which is disposed of as waste or burned. Meanwhile, air pollution and intensifying climate change have become serious threats to humans and their surrounding environment, becoming a source of significant concern among researchers. There are numerous technologies for reusing agricultural waste, but almost all of them have inevitable shortcomings in actual application. Finding reasonable and efficient methods for efficient utilization of biomass resources in agriculture is urgently needed.

Taking into account the importance of efficient biomass resources utilization worldwide, the purpose of the forthcoming Special Issue of Agriculture is to discuss the most important topics related to biomass, waste treatment, bioenergy, biotransformations and bioresource systems analysis, and technologies associated with conversion for agricultural biomass. Therefore, I would like cordially to invite you to submit your relevant papers to the incoming Special Issue of our journal. Your valuable input will hopefully enrich the current state of knowledge and practical approaches to the efficient utilization of the biomass resource in agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Dongyang Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agricultural biomass
  • waste management
  • sustainable recycling
  • biotransformations
  • pyrolysis
  • biofuels
  • bioorganic fertilizer

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3888 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Study on the Combustion of Sunflower Husk Pellets by Thermogravimetric and Kinetic Analysis, Kriging Method
by Svetlana Islamova, Anastasia Tartygasheva, Julia Karaeva, Vladimir Panchenko and Yuriy Litti
Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 840; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13040840 - 09 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1279
Abstract
The combustion of sunflower husk pellets was investigated by kinetic analysis supplemented by the Kriging method. The nonisothermal thermogravimetric experiments in air were carried out at the temperatures from 20 to 700 °C and heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min. Kinetic [...] Read more.
The combustion of sunflower husk pellets was investigated by kinetic analysis supplemented by the Kriging method. The nonisothermal thermogravimetric experiments in air were carried out at the temperatures from 20 to 700 °C and heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min. Kinetic analysis was carried out using the model-free OFW (Ozawa–Flynn–Wall) method and Coats–Redfern (CR) method. The activation energy values, calculated by the OFW method, ranged from 116.44 to 249.94 kJ/mol. These data were used to determine the combustion mechanism by the CR method. The kinetic triplet (Eα, A, g(α)) was determined in the conversion interval 0.2 to 0.8. The model of the chemical reaction F8 was recommended to describe the mechanism of the thermochemical conversion process. The relationship between the kinetic parameters was analyzed using the Kriging method. The patterns between the kinetic parameters were represented as three-dimensional surfaces and two-dimensional projections. The distribution’s surfaces were uniform; there were local extremes as well as linear regions. A new approach to the data analysis will allow predicting parameters of a thermochemical conversion of the various raw materials and contributes to a deeper understanding of the characteristics and mechanism of biomass combustion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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18 pages, 963 KiB  
Article
Rye as an Energy Cover Crop: Management, Forage Quality, and Revenue Opportunities for Feed and Bioenergy
by Steph Herbstritt, Tom L. Richard, Sergio H. Lence, Huaiqing Wu, Peter L. O’Brien, Bryan D. Emmett, Tom C. Kaspar, Douglas L. Karlen, Keith Kohler and Robert W. Malone
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1691; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12101691 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2713
Abstract
Harvesting a winter rye energy cover crop (Secale cereale L.) could help sustain growing food and energy demand, provide new revenue streams, and enhance ecosystem services without inducing land-use change. A two-year field experiment with three planting methods and three N fertilization [...] Read more.
Harvesting a winter rye energy cover crop (Secale cereale L.) could help sustain growing food and energy demand, provide new revenue streams, and enhance ecosystem services without inducing land-use change. A two-year field experiment with three planting methods and three N fertilization rates (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1) that produced >5.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 of biomass was evaluated for (1) fresh and anaerobically digested rye forage quality; (2) revenue potential from renewable bioenergy, carbon markets, and digestate feed protein; and (3) potential greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets. We showed that rye can be harvested as forage for animals or anaerobically digested to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), with the residue after digestion (digestate) still available as a feed protein concentrate. Anaerobically digesting rye improved forage quality indicators. Digestion significantly decreased acid- and neutral-detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) by 5.2% and 17.8%, respectively, while significantly increasing crude protein (CP) (33.6%), total digestible nutrients (TDN) (2.0%), relative feed value (RFV) (23.6%), net energy for lactation (8.3%), maintenance (7.5%), and gain (20.0%). Using market prices for RNG, high protein feed, and GHG mitigation, potential on-farm revenue ranged from USD 307 Mg−1 and USD 502 Mg−1 dry matter with an average of USD 402 Mg−1. However, there are substantial costs associated with RNG and the revenue potential does not represent the profitability of this system. Evaluation of the integrated system showed GHG emissions associated with rye fertilization were more than offset by the benefits of increasing yield in the 60 kg N ha−1 treatment. The overall carbon footprint of the integrated system was strongly carbon negative, confirming the potential of this strategy to sustainably intensify land use in the Midwestern United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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18 pages, 2014 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Characteristics and Digestibility of Woody and Herbaceous Native Plants from Tropical Flooded Savannas Ecosystems
by Mauricio Vélez-Terranova, Arcesio Salamanca-Carreño, Andrés Mauricio Bejarano-Sánchez, Daniela Alexandra González-Castro, Rubén Darío Higuera-Pedraza and Luis Alfonso Giraldo
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1613; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12101613 - 05 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1578
Abstract
Native plants constitute an enormous source of nutrients for grazing animals, although their use has been limited due to the lack of knowledge about its properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of native plants from flooded savannas [...] Read more.
Native plants constitute an enormous source of nutrients for grazing animals, although their use has been limited due to the lack of knowledge about its properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of native plants from flooded savannas ecosystem. Seven transects (290 km) were carried out through the montane forests, gallery forests and open savannah ecosystems. A total of 42 plant species were collected (22 arboreal, 13 shrubs, 5 climbing and 2 herb plants) and their nutritional composition and digestibility were evaluated. Data analysis included univariate and multivariate methods. Nutritional composition and digestibility varied among the groups of arboreal, shrub, climbing and herb species. At an individual level plants such as G. americana, C. cf minor-grandiflora and M. nobilis, A.Jahnii, P. hispidium, I. carnea, S. reticulate, H. furcellatus, and C. erosa stood out by their protein, ash, and digestibility. At a group level, a mixed of 19 plants presented the highest digestibility, and the lowest fiber fraction constituted a promising forage alternative. Data variability was explained in the 47% by protein, ash, digestibility, and the different fiber fractions variables. Further studies related with the animal acceptability, performance and the presence of secondary metabolites are needed before being fully recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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10 pages, 995 KiB  
Article
Biogas in Uganda and the Sustainable Development Goals: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Fuel Analysis of Biogas and Firewood
by Phiona Jackline Mukisa, Chama Theodore Ketuama and Hynek Roubík
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12091482 - 16 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Biogas technology has the potential to achieve at least eight of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study assessed household biogas consumption against firewood and its socioeconomic and environmental impacts with regard to achieving the SDGs in the Iganga District, Uganda. In addition, [...] Read more.
Biogas technology has the potential to achieve at least eight of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study assessed household biogas consumption against firewood and its socioeconomic and environmental impacts with regard to achieving the SDGs in the Iganga District, Uganda. In addition, factors hindering the adoption of biogas technology were assessed. Data were collected from 314 respondents using a questionnaire, interview, and observation. A mixed analytical approach combined descriptive analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance tests to compare the impacts of biogas and firewood use and identify factors hindering the adoption of biogas technology. Results show that biogas consumption contributed to higher socioeconomic, health and environmental benefits than firewood. Biogas positively impacted SDG7, and indirectly, SDGs 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 13. An estimated 46.9% of households perceive biogas as a clean fuel. The factors motivating biogas consumption include its smoke-free nature, women and children having more time to engage in other development activities and reduced time spent on cooking. In conclusion, biogas offers higher impacts on SDGs compared to firewood. Reviewing the current national renewable energy promotion frameworks to provide biogas subsidies to households and investors can contribute to increasing biogas consumption in households. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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13 pages, 1688 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Biobriquettes Produced from Vineyard Wastes as a Solid Biofuel Resource
by Lacrimioara Senila, Ioan Tenu, Petru Carlescu, Daniela Alexandra Scurtu, Eniko Kovacs, Marin Senila, Oana Cadar, Marius Roman, Diana Elena Dumitras and Cecilia Roman
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 341; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12030341 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3364
Abstract
The large amount of biomass waste generated by vineyard pruning causes many environmental concerns. The production of briquettes represents an alternative to obtaining a value-added product. The transformation of vineyard wastes into briquettes could produce a densified product having high energy potential. The [...] Read more.
The large amount of biomass waste generated by vineyard pruning causes many environmental concerns. The production of briquettes represents an alternative to obtaining a value-added product. The transformation of vineyard wastes into briquettes could produce a densified product having high energy potential. The study investigates the production and chemical, structural, and thermal characterization of briquettes. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the briquettes have different stages of decomposition depending on temperature, such as drying, heating, devolatilization, and char aggregation. All the briquettes are decomposed around 600 °C. The analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows the crystallinity of briquettes. The pollutant emissions resulted from briquettes burning were measured as 444.7 mg N−1m−1 nitrogen oxide (NOX), 157.0 mg N−1m−1 sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 2165.0 mg N−1m−1 carbon monoxide (CO). The flue gases are below the admitted limits, with the exception of carbon monoxide content due to the incomplete combustion and high lignin content. Therefore, it can be concluded that briquettes produced from vineyard wastes have similar properties to briquettes produced from wood. This study demonstrates the potential of the obtained briquettes to replace the wood or charcoal through a desulphurization method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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14 pages, 2705 KiB  
Article
Effects of Inorganic, Organic and Bio-Organic Fertilizer on Growth, Rhizosphere Soil Microflora and Soil Function Sustainability in Chrysanthemum Monoculture
by Huijie Chen, Jiamiao Zhao, Jing Jiang, Zhiguo Zhao, Zhiyong Guan, Sumei Chen, Fadi Chen, Weimin Fang and Shuang Zhao
Agriculture 2021, 11(12), 1214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11121214 - 02 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
The production of chrysanthemums is severely hampered by Fusarium wilt, which is exacerbated by monoculture. In this study, the role of inorganic plant nutrition fertilizer (IPN), organic fertilizer (OF) and bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) in avoiding monoculture-related production constraints was evaluated. We conducted a [...] Read more.
The production of chrysanthemums is severely hampered by Fusarium wilt, which is exacerbated by monoculture. In this study, the role of inorganic plant nutrition fertilizer (IPN), organic fertilizer (OF) and bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) in avoiding monoculture-related production constraints was evaluated. We conducted a series of greenhouse experiments and studied the growth of chrysanthemum and changes in rhizosphere soil microflora and function. BOF application reduced the incidence of Fusarium wilt by 82.8% and increased the chrysanthemum shoot height and flower ray floret number by 31.4% and 26.1%, respectively. High-throughput Illumina HiSeq2500 sequencing results indicated that BOF and OF treatments increased the values of α-diversity indices of bacteria and fungi. In addition, significant alterations in microbe community structures were found in response to IPN, OF or BOF application. Among the major genera detected after BOF treatments, the levels of Fusarium and Glycomyces decreased while Cladosporium, arbuscular mycorrhizal and endophyte groups increased. In particular, the abundance of Mariniflexile had a positive relationship (R = 0.693, p < 0.05) with the incidence of Fusarium wilt, while Cladosporium showed a significant negative relationship (R = −0.586, p < 0.05). Interestingly, an analysis of microbiomes based on 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the functions of signal transduction, bacterial secretion system, oxidative phosphorylation and the metabolism of carbohydrate, nitrogen and amino acids all increased in both BOF and OF treatments. The results suggested that BOF could be effective for chrysanthemum monoculture soil restoration, potentially by altering the microbial community structures and functions, which affect the physiological and morphological attributes of chrysanthemum in monoculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Utilization of Biomass Resources in Agriculture)
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