Abstract
In Finland the objective is to utilize reed canary grass
and straw on energy production together with
other domestic fuels, on filtration of peat production
run-off waters and as a raw material of chemical
pulp. In Finland the realistic production potential of
reed canary grass (abbreviation RCG) and straw
on mineral soil is estimated to be 7,9 TWh, which means
cultivation of RCG on 170 000 hectares and
harvesting of straw on 230 000 hectares.
In Finland some 50 000 hectares of peatlands are utilized
on commercial peat production. Of this
amount 1000 - 2000 hectares are annually withdrawn from
peat production due to gradual exhaustion
of the fields. Most of these fields are suitable for
cultivation of RCG. RCG plantations can be one
method to purify the run-off waters of production areas
and landscape production sites.
VTT and Vapo Oy have developed harvesting chains of RCG
and straw. The research has included
loose harvesting methods operating on mineral soil or on
peat production areas and comparative
methods based on baling in harvesting of straw. In
addition the combustion of RCG and straw has
been studied. The existing transportation chains of peat
and wood chips can be utilized on production
logistics.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Jyväskylä |
| Publisher | VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 2005 |
| MoE publication type | D4 Published development or research report or study |