Quantification of the residual biomass obtained from pruning of vineyards in Mediterranean area

Abstract

This research quantified the available residual biomass obtained from pruning vines stock. The additional biomass quantified could be used as a source of energy or as raw material for the wood industry and would provide additional income for fruit producers and also a more sustainable system. Several factors were analyzed: Variety, aim of the pruning, age of the plants, size of the plantation, crop yield and irrigation. Regression models were also calculated to predict the weight of dry biomass, obtained per tree and tonnes of dry biomass obtained per hectare, according to the significant factors. These equations could implement logistic planning as the Borvemar model, which defines a logistics network for supplying bio-energy systems. The results show that the shape of the structure of plantation has a strong influence on the quantity of biomass produced, and therefore on the quantity of pruning material. In the vineyards cultivated for fresh grape production, the horizontal trellis produces 3.5 kg/tree and 4.2 t/ha, the more dry matter per vine tree than the double of the high trellis, and the triple than the standard trellis. In the vineyards cultivated for wine production, the standard trellis and vase shape do not have significant differences, reaching 0.8 kg dry matter per vine tree. Nevertheless, on the other hand, the standard trellis produces 2.15 t/ha, a 25% more dry biomass per hectare than the vase shape. The presence of irrigation increases biomass in vineyards by 42%. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.