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QLK5-2001-01729
Biomass Production Chain and Growth Simulation Model for Kenaf - BIOKENAF
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Fibre
:
Quality of Life - 5.2 Non-Food Development
| Contract No: |
QLK5-2001-01729 |
| Project Type: |
RS (Research and Technological Development Project)
|
| Start Date: |
01-03-2003
|
| Duration: |
42 Months
|
| Total Cost: |
2,168,472 EUR
|
| EC Contribution: |
1,391,796 EUR
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| Scientific Officer: |
Ciaran MANGAN
|
Introduction
The proposed RTD project will contribute to the implementation of three main
EU policies, the Common Agricultural Policy, the Agenda 2000 and the White Paper
In this view of these policies, the financial feasibility of the non-food crop production will increase,
while the diversification of land use and sustainability of farm incomes should be ensured.
Although kenaf has been accepted (from 1993) by EU a high yielding "non-food crop" for fiber
production the research on kenaf has been focused strictly on its use for the paper/pulp industry,
rule the yielding potential of the crop is not defined. Hardly any research has been directed towards
the other industrial uses of the crop as well as the energy exploitation of it, in spite of the favorable
characteristics of kenaf feedstock and its high biomass yields. This project with its integrated approach
aims at the sustainable yielding potential, the alternative industrial bio-products as well as the energy
exploitation of kenaf. A dynamic crop-growth simulation model will be developed and will be a useful
tool for yield prediction. Following an environmental and economic assessment will provide insight in
the feasibility of kenaf for industrial and energy applications.
Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to introduce and evaluate kenaf as a non-food
crop for alternative land use that will provide diversified opportunities for farmers and
will supply the "bio-based industries" of the future. The overall objective will be achieved through
the following specific objectives:
- To determine the sustainable yielding potential of kenaf, as a non-food crop in all Southern
EU countries.
- To develop a dynamic crop growth simulation model for kenaf yields predictions.
- To evaluate the effect of harvest timing and storage methods on quality of raw material.
- To evaluate the suitability of kenaf both for selected industrial and energy applications.
- To carry out environmental assessment and LCA
Description of the work
The following specific Work Packages will implement the objectives previously outlined:
- WP1 is a general work package aiming at the coordination of the project and establishment
of a link with the American Kenaf Society (AKS).
- WP2 aims at the determination of the sustainable yield potential of kenaf as energy crop
at several locations in southern EU. The appropriate varieties and cultural practices for yield,
maximization in relation to the specific pedoclimatic conditions of each cultivation site will be
determined. Furthermore, this work package will provide data to...
- WP3, in which a dynamic growth simulation model will be developed. The model development
will be a very useful tool for the yield and energy production prediction of kenaf it can be further used
as a core module of any expert system for economic quantitative land evaluation including land uses
systems with kenaf.
- WP4 will examine the appropriate harvesting time and methods as well as the appropriate
storage methods ( indoors and outdoors)
- WP5 will investigate the suitability of kenaf both for selected industrial (high added value) and
for thermochemical energy applications (combustion, gasification and pyrolysis) on the whole crop
and the core fiber remaining after removal of the high value bark fiber.
- WP6 Environmental impact
assessment for the whole production chain of the crop and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) taking into
account both the industrial and thermochemical energy applications of the crop will be carried out.
- WP7 Cost analysis based on the information that will be collected in the other work packages.
This will compare kenaf as a "new crop" in comparison to other traditional annual crops.
- WP8 The above-described work packages will be used as a base for the development of a
Handbook and a Booklet about kenaf and in the production of scenarios concerning alternative land
use as well as to conduct an economic evaluation of the whole production chain of the crop for
alternative land use and to establish links with the American Kenaf Society.
Milestones and expected results
- Wide dissemination of the project results through conferences, seminars and web
pages. Evaluation of the adaptability and productivity a kenaf in all South EU countries.
- Crop growth simulation model as a tool for yields prediction.
- Determination of the appropriate harvesting time, techniques and storage methods.
- Results on the kenaf use for industrial and energy applications.
- Environmental impact assessment, LCA
- Scenarios for alternative land use
- Cost of kenaf at farm and at plant gate and economic comparison with other conventional crops.
Contacts
Coordinator
Participant
