Title:
Harvest Mechanisation of Arundo donax L. in Spain
Author(s):
Curt, M.D., Sanz, M., Mosquera, F., Mauri, P.V., Plaza, A., Aguado, P.L., Fernández, J.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Mechanisation has been recognised as a key point for the promotion of dedicated energy crops like Arundo donax L. This work reports the performance of commercial machinery modified and assembled by a Spanish manufacturer of agricultural machinery, which was tested in an arundo crop for biomass. Operational speeds and other data gathered during the harvesting tests are given in this article. Actual yield in baled biomass and biomass properties after 8-month storage in open field were determined as well. Results show that the strategy of two-step harvesting: stalk cutting & crushing and biomass collection and baling with this specific machinery is feasible in wintertime. Physical, energy and chemical properties of baled biomass did not change after 8 months. On the whole, the machinery used in these tests performed well; however, the working height of the baler should be improved to avoid damages to irrigation pipes.
Keywords:
energy crops, harvesting, grass, Arundo donax L.
Topic:
Biomass resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.3.5
Pages:
302 - 307
ISBN:
978-88-89407-53-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/21stEUBCE2013-1BV.3.5
Price:
FREE
