Impact of immature willows stems chopping quality on the harmful emissions evaluation

A. Jasinskas, I. Ulozevičiūtė, E. Šarauskis and A. Sakalauskas

Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, KaunasAkademija,
Studentu str. 15A, LT-53361 Kauno r., Lithuania;

Abstract:

The analytical review of the experimental research results of energy plants preparation, burning efficiency and the emissions of harmful substances into the air while burning these plants, is presented in this paper. After the experimental study, immature (1–2 year of growth) willow (Salix viminalis) stems chaff chopping quality were observed. In truth, use of the drum chopping equipment prepared chaff fractional composition, and there were defined and calculated immature willow stems chaff of theoretical length (from 11.8 till 61.3 mm). They were presented and compared with the experimental research results of the low power boiler efficiency and harmful emissions into the air while burning energy plants – immature willow, chopped by the drum chopper of Maral-125 combine. The test was carried out in the laboratory of the low power boiler, which is designed to burn wood, wood briquettes and large wood chaff. After determination of boiler efficiency and harmful substances (CO₂, CO, NO, NO_x) emissions into the environment while burning different lengths of willow chaff, it was concluded that the boiler developed about 66–86% of nominal boiler power, and pollution emissions concentration into the environment was lower when willow chaff of 49.2 mm length was burned.

Key words:

boiler power, burning, chaff, chopping quality, harmful emissions, immature willows, pollution, stems

Profitability of different technologies of strawberry cultivation

T. Lille¹, K. Karp¹ and R. Värnik²

¹Institute of Horticulture, Estonian Agricultural University, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: tiilille@eau.ee; kkarp@eau.ee
²Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Estonian Agricultural University, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; e-mail: vrando@eau.ee

Abstract:

The experiments with strawberries were carried out in 1999–2001. There were two cultivation types in the experiment: plastic mulch and straw mulch with burning after harvesting. The present research investigated the influence of mulches and cultivars on strawberry yield and profit. Straw mulch suits for ‘Jonsok’ and ‘Bounty’ because it increases yields. In places, where late-spring frost damages are usual, the growing of early cultivars with straw mulch would be practical. Plastic mulch suits better for cultivars susceptible to grey mould (‘Senga Sengana’). It is useful to grow different cultivars because their yields are different according to years. The yield of the plant depends on the cultivar and on the cultivation technology. In year 2000 ‘Jonsok’ grown with straw was more productive and profitable than other cultivars. In 2001 ‘Senga Sengana’ grown with straw was the most productive and more profitable than ‘Jonsok’ and ‘Bounty’. The burning of leaves flights pests and weeds and farmers can save on chemicals. Using straw mulch is more perspective for getting higher yields and profit.

Key words: