BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-1913 - SORGHUM: Environmental studies on sweet and fibre sorghum sustainable crops for biomass and energy

FAIR-CT96-1913
SORGHUM: Environmental studies on sweet and fibre sorghum sustainable crops for biomass and energy

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Crops for Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Crops for Paper/Pulp : FAIR Area 4.3 - Diversification : Fibre : Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Paper/Pulp : Sugar

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-1913
	Total Cost	1,263,000 ECU
	EC Contribution	960,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/02/1997
	Duration	38 months

SORGHUM Environmental studies on sweet and fibre sorghum sustainable crops for biomass and energy

Objectives

The general objective of the present proposal is to study the environmental impacts of sweet and fibre sorghum inside real cropping systems with particular reference to nitrogen balance. In order to introduce these crops in crop rotations information that is lacking (concerning the environmental impact under field conditions on the existing cropping systems) is required. Specific objectives of the proposed project are:

Evaluation of the agronomic response of sweet and fibre sorghum on different cropping systems and in different soil and climatic conditions in the Europe Union
Response of sweet and fibre sorghum to low-input cultivations
The role of sweet and fibre sorghum within the different cropping systems against soil erosion in slope soils, especially in Mediterranean environment
The role of sweet and fibre sorghum within the different cropping systems on the nitrogen and water balance and on nitrogen leaching
The role of sweet and fibre sorghum within the different cropping systems on carbon and soil organic matter cycles
Definition, calibration and validation of simulation mathematical models at micro and macro-level of the nitrogen, water, carbon and organic matter in cropping systems including sweet and fibre sorghum
Develop rapid screens for identifying sorghum genotypes with improved nitrogen use efficiency, in relation to biomass production.

Technical Approach

The proposed objectives will be fulfilled carrying out experimental research focused on:

productivity trials, where the productivity of crop rotations and low-input cropping, including sweet and fibre sorghum will be evaluated
novel physiological screens to identify genotypes with lower N requirements
agro-ecosystems studies, covering research on nitrogen and water balance, analysis of carbon cycle and soil organic matter balance in order to assess the restoration of chemical and physical soil fertility
environmental studies, in order to assess nitrate leaching in different cropping systems
the effectiveness of the crops in controlling soil erosion processes, especially in Mediterranean area
modelling activity in order to develop mechanistic models to optimise N use and water use
development of cropping systems models useful at regional scale

Contacts

Coordinator

Salvatore Luciano CONSENTINO / Universita Degli Studi di Catania ITALY

EC Scientific Officer

Adelmo MOREALE / European Commission DG VI Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant