The use of degraded peatlands for biomass production

Abstract

The goal of this research is an assessment of the possible use of peatlands biomass and straw for the production of mixed bio-pellets. Peaty soils are a specific type of soils formed as the result of wetlands drainage. Peat mining is completed by the factory if the layer of the peat is less than 1-2 meters and not enough deep for effective mechanical excavation. After the peat excavation is finished, the biggest problem is the use of these lands for other purposes. One of the perspective directions is rewetting of post-mining peatlands to stimulate the growth of common reed, cattail, fescue, sedge, and other grasses which may grow in natural conditions, and also improve conditions for the cultivation of other plants, including trees. The yield of wetland grass in Belarus varies from 8.1 to 14 DM g ha-1 per year. The yield of willow wood can reach 8-10 of DM g ha-1 per year. The highest prime cost of biomass is obtained for willow wood, but it will be lower with the enlargement of the plantation area. Pellets with a high content of wood residues (sawdust) have the best technological parameters including calorific value when compared to pellets from only peat and peat plus straw. Biomass production on degraded peaty soils has also an ecological effect. The cost of carbon quotas on the market varies from 20 to 25 euro per ton, and biomass production can provide additional profit in the case of CO2 emissions trading depending on the biomass content in the fuel.