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Article

Analysis of the Energy Potential of Waste Biomass Generated from Fruit Tree Seedling Production

by
Natalia Matłok
1,*,
Grzegorz Zaguła
2,
Józef Gorzelany
1 and
Maciej Balawejder
3
1
Department of Food and Agriculture Production Engineering, University of Rzeszow, 4 Zelwerowicza Street, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
2
Department of Bioenergetics, Food Analysis and Microbiology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 2D Ćwiklińskiej Street, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
3
Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, University of Rzeszow, 1a Ćwiklińskiej Street, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2024, 17(23), 5964; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235964
Submission received: 2 November 2024 / Revised: 22 November 2024 / Accepted: 25 November 2024 / Published: 27 November 2024
(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The depletion of conventional fuels and the state of the natural environment have influenced global policy, dictating a new direction for development and approaches to the use of renewable resources. One such resource is woody biomass, which can be used for energy purposes. A type of raw material with an unrecognized potential for utilization is waste biomass from the production of fruit tree seedlings. In this study, thirteen popular species of rootstock produced in Poland were collected and subjected to comprehensive analyses. After determining the calorific value of the collected wood waste, a comprehensive analysis of their suitability for energy purposes was conducted. The highest calorific value of 19.51 MJkg−1 was recorded for waste biomass obtained from Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks in the first year of research, compared to P14 with 17.96 MJkg−1. The content of other elements was also advantageous for Mahaleb Cherry. Considering the relatively large production of this type of waste biomass, it can be concluded that it has great energy potential and can largely meet energy needs in regions where fruit tree seedlings are mass-produced. Implementing the use of such raw materials in energy production will result in a reduction of anthropogenic impacts on the environment by decreasing the demand for standard energy resources.

1. Introduction

The prospects of depletion of conventional fuels and the state of the natural environment in the Member States of the European Union have influenced its policy, steering the Community countries towards a new direction in development and approaches to the utilization of renewable resources [1]. The primary carrier of renewable energy sources (RES) in the EU is agricultural and forestry biomass [2]. Such biomass is characterized by a variable calorific value, ranging from 12.6 MJ kg−1 to 20.8 MJ kg−1. This variability is mainly determined by the origin of the biomass, particularly the species of coniferous or deciduous tree [3,4,5,6]. This biomass can be obtained, among others, from energy crop plantations, but it may also include by-products generated in agricultural, nursery, and orchard production processes [7]. Studies estimating the amount of waste wood obtained from commercial orchard cultivation for energy use have been conducted by researchers including Klugmann-Radziemska [8], Romański et al. [9], and Bilandzija et al. [10] in Croatia. The possibilities of obtaining and processing this type of biomass in orchards of fruit trees producing fruit subjected to maintenance procedures (sanitary pruning, etc.) are presented by Gong et al. [11] and Warguła [12]. However, the global literature lacks detailed information on the quantity and characteristics of waste biomass generated during the budding of fruit tree rootstocks, which may serve as a potential energy source. Only Gorzelany and Matłok [13] have conducted an energy analysis of waste biomass from fruit tree production in the Podkarpackie region and assessed biomass yield per hectare of the studied rootstock species after budding. However, they did not specify the content of key components that would allow the estimation of factors such as corrosion potential during the combustion of biomass derived from fruit tree seedling production (wood biomass from rootstock cutting).
The assessment of waste biomass suitability involves determining essential parameters such as calorific value, ash content, and moisture [14]. However, to fully characterize this biomass and mitigate the occurrence of high-temperature corrosion and slagging on the heat-exchanging surfaces of energy boilers, it is necessary to determine the content of alkaline elements, particularly potassium and sodium [15]. Slagging is induced by the presence of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, as well as hydrogen chloride, in flue gases, making it essential to measure these elements and the S:Cl ratio [16]. The presence of these compounds in woody biomass is determined by several factors: the type and origin of the biomass, as well as the use of plant protection products and fertilizers during the production of plants from which the biomass is sourced [17].
One of the methods of biomass conversion is generation of biogas via gasification, torrefaction or methanogenesis. Biogas is a versatile energy source with various applications. It can be utilized for heating homes and industrial facilities or produced from biomass to supplement the natural gas network, serving as a fuel alternative for vehicles. This is particularly beneficial in urban environments, where buses, utility trucks, and other city traffic vehicles can operate on biogas, significantly reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Importantly, biomass for biogas production can be sourced from urban or municipal solid waste, emphasizing the potential for sustainable waste management. Additionally, integrating digital technologies into biomass collection processes plays a crucial role in optimizing efficiency and sustainability. This potential should be explored further, as discussed in the paper referenced in which the authors implemented digital techniques at various stages of collecting and processing biomass [18].
The energetic utilization of woody waste biomass from agricultural and orchard production also positively impacts the natural environment by reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases [19]. An additional aspect supporting the rationale for the energy use of such biomass is the economic effect on fruit tree seedling production, by eliminating the need for costly and energy-intensive biomass disposal [20]. This biomass, as an alternative fuel, can also help reduce the use of fossil fuels [21].
The aim of this study was to characterize the woody waste biomass generated during the production of fruit tree seedlings. The biomass obtained after cutting budded plants was subjected to analyses to determine its calorific value, ash content, and volatile matter. In addition, the content of alkali metals as well as nitrogen, chlorine, and sulfur responsible for high-temperature corrosion and slagging on boiler surfaces during combustion of this biomass was determined. It was hypothesized that this type of biomass could be useful for green energy production.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Material

The research material comprised waste biomass from the nursery production of fruit tree seedlings. This biomass is generated during the production of one-year-old fruit trees, specifically during the trimming of budded rootstocks. The research material included waste biomass obtained from the trimming of the following rootstocks:
▪
R1: Peach ‘Rakoniewicka’ (Prunus persica ‘Rakoniewicka’)
▪
R2: Colt (Prunus avium X Prunus pseudocerasus)
▪
R3: Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.)
▪
R4: Caucasian Pear (Pyrus communis var. caucasica Fed.)
▪
R5: Quince S1 (Cydonia oblonga)
▪
R6: Apple M9
▪
R7: Apple M26
▪
R8: Apple M7
▪
R9: Apple A2
▪
R10: Apple P60
▪
R11: Apple P14
▪
R12: Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
▪
R13: Mahaleb Cherry (Prunus mahaleb)
The biomass was collected over three consecutive years from nursery production at a farm located in the village of Zasów (50°07′52″ N 21°20′13″ E), Poland. During the production process of one-year-old fruit trees, waste biomass was removed in accordance with technological requirements. The production of one-year-old fruit trees involves budding rootstocks (Figure 1). In the following year, the rootstocks are cut above the budding site. This pruning process takes place in February or March, when the rootstocks are dormant and leafless. The collected woody biomass is shredded into fragments approximately 1 cm in size. The analyzed biomass exhibited a typical cross-section characteristic of fruit trees. However, it was dominated by sapwood, which accounted for a significantly higher proportion compared to the typical cross-section of a tree trunk. This phenomenon results from the developmental stage of the rootstocks (one year-generation plants) from which the biomass was obtained. From each type of rootstock, 5 kg of representative samples were collected, which were then used to prepare laboratory samples for subsequent analyses.

2.2. Determination of Dry Matter Content

The dry matter content in the waste biomass of different fruit tree rootstock species was determined using the oven-drying method. Waste biomass samples, ground to particles smaller than 0.2 mm and weighing approximately 1 g, were dried in an electric oven with thermostatic temperature control at 378–383 K (105–110 °C). The drying process lasted 180 min, after which the weighing vessels were sealed with lids, placed in a desiccator, and weighed on an analytical balance once cooled. Drying was repeated at 30-min intervals until a constant weight was achieved, with an accuracy of ±0.001 g. Finally, the dry matter content of the sample was calculated.

2.3. Calorific Value Determination

The homogenized research material, previously dried in an electric laboratory oven, was ground using a ball mill. Using a tablet press, 1-g pellets were made from the prepared material for calorimetric analysis of the waste biomass from nursery production. The calorific value determination (PN-EN 14918:2010) [22] of the analyzed waste biomass was conducted using a LECO AC500 isoperibolic calorimeter (LECO Corporation, Saint Joseph, MI, USA), designed for measuring combustion heat in solid and liquid fuels in compliance with PN and ISO standards. The measurement method involved complete combustion of the biomass sample in an oxygen atmosphere within a pressurized vessel submerged in water, with precise measurement of the released heat.

2.4. Moisture, Volatile Matter, and Ash Content Determination

The analytical moisture content (Wa), volatile matter, and ash content in waste biomass samples were determined through thermogravimetric analysis using a LECO-TGA701 apparatus (LECO Corporation, Saint Joseph, MI, USA), following the methodology described by Bajcar et al. [23].

2.5. Determination of C, H, N, and S Content

The powdered waste biomass, dried to a constant mass, was analyzed for carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content (CHN module) and sulfur content (S module) using a LECO TrueSpecTM CHNS elemental analyzer (LECO Corporation, Saint Joseph, MI, USA). The determination of C, H, N, and S content in the waste biomass was performed in accordance with the PN-EN 15104:2011(U) standard [24,25].

2.6. Determination of Inorganic Anions

To determine inorganic anions in the samples of the analyzed material, a Dionex ICS 1000 ion chromatograph (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA) was used, operated via the Chromeleon software, version 6.8. The determinations were carried out in accordance with the procedure described in Szostek et al. [26].

2.7. Statistical Analysis

The results of the research (influence of wood chips dose on selected soil parameters) were analyzed using Statistica 13.3 software (StatSoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). To identify homogeneous groups of objects (α = 0.05), Tukey’s HSD multiple comparison test was conducted following one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Moisture, Ash Content, and Volatile Matter

Waste biomass from nursery production, like agricultural and forestry residual biomass, is regarded as an important but technologically demanding energy resource [27]. While this resource offers several advantages, it also presents challenges, such as its fibrous structure and, more critically, its unfavorable chemical composition. Ash from agricultural and woody biomass often contains high concentrations of alkali compounds and chlorine, which increase corrosion, intensify slagging processes in boiler installations, and, in fluidized-bed systems, raise the risk of bed agglomeration [28].
Studies on the energy properties of various biomass types show that the moisture content of the burned material significantly influences both ash content and calorific value. The analyzed waste biomass from different rootstock species for fruit tree production exhibited variable analytical moisture content (Wa) (Figure 2A). The average Wa of nursery waste biomass, regardless of rootstock species, was 0.44% dry matter. An analysis of the energy properties of nursery biomass from various generative and vegetative rootstock species indicated that this biomass has low ash content (Figure 2B), which, like water content, acts as ballast in the fuel. The average ash content ranged from 2.36% dry matter for biomass from Rakoniewicka Peach rootstocks to 3.43% dry matter for biomass from A2 rootstocks.
Additionally, an analysis of volatile matter content in the waste biomass was conducted, as this parameter is crucial for assessing the energy potential of fuel. Fuels with a high percentage of volatile matter produce a long flame during combustion and require additional air for complete, smoke-free burning. The analyzed waste biomass from one-year-old budded fruit tree seedlings had volatile matter content (Figure 2C) ranging from 19.32% dry matter for Mahaleb rootstock biomass to 22.17% dry matter for biomass from apple rootstocks on M9. The volatile matter content in the waste biomass from fruit tree seedlings indicates its potential as a fuel source. The relatively high levels of volatile matter suggest that, while these biomass types could produce a sustained flame, they may require specific combustion conditions to ensure efficient and clean burning.

3.2. Calorific Value

Laboratory analyses of the calorific value of waste biomass from various rootstock species used in the production of fruit tree saplings formed the basis for assessing the quality of biomass as an energy resource (Table 1).
The highest calorific value, amounting to 19.51 MJ kg−1, was recorded for waste biomass obtained after pruning Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks in the first year of the study. This biomass also featured a reduced ash content, 16.7% lower than the average ash content in biomass from the analyzed rootstock species. Conversely, the lowest calorific values were noted in waste biomass from pruning P14 rootstocks (17.96 MJ kg−1) in the first year and Quince S1 (17.98 MJ kg−1) in the first year of the study. The average calorific value of waste biomass from nursery production across the studied rootstock species over the years was 18.21 MJ kg−1. According to Ibitoye et al. [29], the calorific value of biomass is a fundamental energy parameter of fuels and is generally lower than that of conventional fuels. For comparative purposes, they suggest an approximate calorific value of 15 MJ kg−1 for plant biomass in dry matter. The studied nursery biomass displayed a slightly higher average calorific value of 18.21 MJ kg−1 in dry matter. The calorific value of the analyzed biomass from fruit trees was similar to the results obtained by Gorzelany and Matłok [13] for rootstock biomass used in fruit tree production (18.60 MJ kg−1 in dry matter) and by Bilandzija et al. [10] for orchard biomass (17.10 MJ kg−1 in dry matter).

3.3. Elementary Composition

The suitability of the analyzed waste biomass from fruit tree seedling production, in terms of harmful substances content, particularly metals, was described in the study by Matłok et al. [30]. The study demonstrated that the analyzed biomass contained Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn. The concentrations of these elements were within the acceptable standards and did not exceed permissible levels for biomass intended for energy purposes.
The elemental composition of solid fuels, including waste biomass from nursery production, forms, alongside assessments of moisture content, ash, volatile substances, and calorific value, a fundamental characteristic of energy resources [31]. Based on the elemental composition, i.e., the content of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and chlorine (Cl), it is possible to estimate the approximate heat of combustion and the air requirements for combustion, as well as the quantity and composition of dry and wet flue gases. Determining these parameters facilitates the appropriate selection of boilers and their operational methods for burning various types of combustible materials [32]. An elemental analysis conducted on samples of waste biomass obtained from different rootstock species used in fruit tree production revealed varied contents of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in their chemical composition (Figure 3A–C).
The carbon content in the analyzed types of waste biomass ranged from 49.96% dry matter (DM) for P14 rootstocks to 51.41% DM in biomass resulting from the pruning of Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks. The hydrogen content in the tested biomass samples ranged from 6.16% DM in biomass from M9 rootstocks to 6.58% DM for biomass from Quince S1 rootstocks.
The highest nitrogen content in the analyzed energy sources, derived from various rootstock species used in fruit tree production, was recorded in biomass from cherry production on Colt rootstocks, at 1.50% DM. The lowest nitrogen content, amounting to 0.89% DM, was found in waste biomass obtained from the pruning of Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks.
Many authors, including Vassilev et al. [33], argue that determining the elemental composition (C, H, N, S, and Cl) of biomass is a key characteristic that enables the approximate calculation of heat value, air requirements for combustion, and the quantity and composition of both dry and wet flue gases. Additionally, knowledge of elemental composition allows for the estimation of gaseous emissions from fuel combustion. The average content of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen in the studied nursery biomass was found to be 50.56% DM, 6.39% DM, and 1.21% DM, respectively. These values were similar to those obtained for biomass from Croatian fruit orchards, where the averages were 47.22% DM for carbon, 6.45% DM for hydrogen, and 0.77% DM for nitrogen [10]. Except for nitrogen, the quantities of these elements in the analyzed nursery biomass were also consistent with those in hardwood and softwood, the primary sources of firewood [34].
Szczukowski et al. [35] report that biomass from willow grown for energy purposes in the Eko-Salix system contains 50.84% DM of carbon, 5.86% DM of hydrogen, and 0.24% DM of nitrogen, while Kajda-Szcześniak [36] specifies that spruce wood has carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen contents of 49.80% DM, 6.30% DM, and 0.13% DM, respectively. The higher nitrogen content in nursery biomass, as opposed to energy crop firewood (willow) and coniferous wood, classifies this biomass as a less desirable energy source, as high nitrogen content, unlike carbon and hydrogen, is not beneficial from an energy perspective [37]. The increased nitrogen content in nursery biomass compared to other woody biomass results from the rootstocks’ lesser degree of lignification during sapling production, which increases the proportion of protein in the tissues [38]. This leads to a higher demand for nitrogen fertilization, with nitrogen subsequently incorporated into the biomass, as confirmed by the analyses. Due to its high carbon and hydrogen content, this type of biomass appears to have significant potential for gasification and torrefaction. These methods enable the production of a gaseous phase with high energy potential, as well as biochar and torrefied products with fertilizing and soil-structuring properties. By conducting gasification in a controlled manner, syngas can be obtained, which can be further processed in various ways, such as methanol production or conversion into fuels via the Fischer-Tropsch method [39].
An essential criterion for evaluating the quality of biofuels from one-year-old fruit tree saplings is the assessment of chlorine and sulfur content [32]. High levels of these components in directly combusted fuels can lead to high-temperature corrosion and slagging of boiler heating surfaces. Slagging is primarily influenced by the high chlorine content in fuel [40]. If the chlorine mass fraction does not exceed 0.3%, the fuel is characterized by low (Cl < 0.2%) or medium slagging propensity. Conversely, levels above 0.3% indicate significant or very high slagging potential (Cl > 0.5%) [41]. The average chlorine content in samples of the analyzed waste biomass types, depending on the rootstock species, is shown in Figure 4A, with the 0.3% Cl level indicated.
Analysis of laboratory results from 13 rootstock species used in fruit tree production revealed that most of them (76.9%) had low (<0.2%) chlorine content in their chemical composition, which does not contribute to slagging of boiler surfaces. Medium chlorine content (0.2–0.3%) was observed in waste biomass from Prunus persica ‘Rakoniewicka’ and Wild Cherry rootstocks, with values of 0.25% and 0.21%, respectively. In the case of direct combustion, the risk of slagging heating surfaces may arise only when burning waste biomass from P60 rootstocks, which contained a significant chlorine content of 0.44%. The average chlorine content in nursery waste biomass over the study years varied, averaging 0.15%. For comparison, energy willow contains <0.1% DM of chlorine, and poplar contains 0.1% DM [42], making them superior fuels for boiler slagging prevention. Statistically significant differences in the chlorine content of the analyzed biomass were influenced by the quantity of absorbable compounds from air and soil, as well as ambient temperature. Chloride ion levels in the soil solution are especially relevant, which depend on both the natural soil composition and agrotechnical measures involving the application of mineral salts, such as KCl. Chlorine content in plants is generally less than 2% in dry matter [43]. Variability in chlorine content within waste biomass may also stem from different plant protection products and varying levels of care and protective treatments applied to the rootstocks from which this biomass originates [44].
Sulphur in plant biomass is released during direct combustion, oxidizing to sulfur oxides, which form potassium and sodium sulphate deposits. These compounds intensify high-temperature corrosion of steel components in energy boilers, a phenomenon known as sulphate corrosion [45]. Analyses were conducted to assess the potential for sulfur content in the biomass of various rootstock species used in fruit tree production to induce boiler corrosion (Figure 4B). Among the analyzed types of nursery biomass, the lowest sulfur content—and thus the lowest risk of high-temperature corrosion—was found in biomass from Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks, with an average content of 0.04%. The highest sulfur content, double that of Mahaleb Cherry biomass, was 0.08% in waste biomass from P60 rootstocks. The average sulfur content in nursery biomass across the study years was 0.06%.
The sulfur levels in nursery biomass exceeded the threshold values for plant biomass (0.02–0.05% DM) as specified by Zapałowska et al. [46]. Sulphur contents ranged from 0.04% DM in biomass from Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks to 0.08% DM in P60 rootstocks. Similar elevated sulfur contents were observed by Bilandzija et al. [10] in orchard waste wood, where sulfur levels ranged from 0.54% DM in apricot wood to 1.02% DM in cherry wood. Statistically significant differences in sulfur content in nursery biomass were associated with fertilization practices, the form of sulfur in fertilizers, and chemical treatments used during sapling production. Sulphur uptake is also influenced by plant species [47].
Pronobis et al. [48] highlight that sulfur’s impact on high-temperature corrosion should be considered alongside chlorine’s effects, as chlorine’s corrosive potential for steel in oxidizing atmospheres increases with temperature. This process, known as active oxidation, deteriorates the protective oxide layer on metal surfaces. The primary sources of chlorine near steel surfaces include hydrogen chloride (HCl) present in flue gases and alkali metal chlorides (sodium and potassium) found in deposits. The transformation of chloride ions in sodium or potassium chlorides into more stable sulfate ions, due to sulfur’s presence, helps reduce the risk of chloride-induced corrosion. According to the fuel-based chloride corrosion indicator (PWk), a dangerous condition is defined when the mass ratio of sulfur to chlorine (S:Cl) falls below 2.2 [49,50].
All analyzed types of waste biomass from nursery production exhibited low PWk values, averaging 0.74, which indicates a high risk of chloride corrosion during biomass combustion in boilers. The highest corrosion risk is associated with the combustion of woody biomass from P60 apple rootstocks, for which the PWk index is exceptionally low at only 0.18 (Figure 5). In contrast, the highest PWk value of 2.09 was recorded for waste biomass generated from the trimming of M26 rootstocks, indicating a reduced risk of chloride-induced corrosion in this case.

4. Conclusions

Identification of available energy raw materials from renewable sources is one of the effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions and related costs. This is particularly important in the EU, where fees related to emissions of selected gases apply. One such resource is woody biomass, which can be used for energy purposes. A type of raw material with an unrecognized potential for utilization is waste biomass from the production of fruit tree seedlings. This material consists of woody plant parts (rootstocks) collected during the production process, which constitute waste biomass shredded into ~1 cm fragments.
In this study, thirteen popular species of rootstock produced in Poland were collected and subjected to comprehensive analyses. These varieties produce the most waste biomass during their production. The raw materials were analyzed for dry matter content, analytical moisture, volatile substances, and the composition of C, H, N, S, and Cl. After determining the calorific value of waste from the production of individual seedling species, a comprehensive analysis of their suitability for energy purposes was conducted.
It was shown that the varied content of sulfur, chlorine, and nitrogen significantly determines their suitability due to the predisposition of these elements to generate corrosion and slag on boiler surfaces. The greatest risk of corrosion occurs when burning woody biomass from P60 rootstocks, with an average calorific value of 18.14 MJ kg−1. The highest calorific value of 19.51 MJ kg−1 was recorded for waste biomass obtained from the cutting of Mahaleb Cherry rootstocks in the first year of research. This species also features a favorable elemental composition of S, N, and Cl, which minimizes the risk of excessive boiler corrosion.
Considering the relatively large production of this type of waste biomass, it can be concluded that it has great energy potential and can largely meet energy needs in regions where fruit tree seedlings are mass-produced. Implementing such raw materials in energy production will result in a reduction of anthropogenic impacts on the environment by decreasing the demand for standard energy resources.
Further research on processing this type of biomass should focus on its conversion through gasification and demonstrating the utility of the resulting fractions in energy production, agriculture, and the chemical industry.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, methodology, visualization, investigation and writing—original draft preparation, N.M.; investigation, validation, G.Z.; data curation, formal analysis, M.B.; supervision, J.G. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Data Availability Statement

The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. Scheme for obtaining waste biomass from the production of one-year-old fruit tree seedlings.
Figure 1. Scheme for obtaining waste biomass from the production of one-year-old fruit tree seedlings.
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Figure 2. Mean humidity (Wa) (A), ash (B) and volatile substances (C) in waste biomass (d.m.) from various species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
Figure 2. Mean humidity (Wa) (A), ash (B) and volatile substances (C) in waste biomass (d.m.) from various species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
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Figure 3. Mean content of carbon (A), hydrogen (B) and nitrogen (C) in waste biomass from various species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
Figure 3. Mean content of carbon (A), hydrogen (B) and nitrogen (C) in waste biomass from various species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
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Figure 4. Mean percentage grams of chlorine (Cl) (A) and sulfur (S) (B) in the dry mass of various types of waste biomass from nursery production. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
Figure 4. Mean percentage grams of chlorine (Cl) (A) and sulfur (S) (B) in the dry mass of various types of waste biomass from nursery production. Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
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Figure 5. Ratio of mean grams S:Cl in dry waste mass after harvesting of selected species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation.
Figure 5. Ratio of mean grams S:Cl in dry waste mass after harvesting of selected species of fruit tree rootstocks. Mean values ± standard deviation.
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Table 1. Calorific value of waste biomass from nursery production in three years.
Table 1. Calorific value of waste biomass from nursery production in three years.
Species of RootstockCalorific Value CV (MJ kg−1);
n = 12
I YearII YearIII YearAverage
Prunus persica ‘Rakoniewicka’18.22 ± 0.0418.30 ± 0.0018.21 ± 0.0218.25 cd ± 0.05
Colt (Prunus avium X Prunus pseudocerasus)18.22 ± 0.0318.55 ± 0.0218.27 ± 0.0818.35 de ± 0.16
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium L.)18.11 ± 0.0618.03 ± 0.1118.15 ± 0.0618.10 abc ± 0.09
Caucasian Pear (Pyrus communis var. caucasica Fed.)18.45 ± 0.0418.45 ± 0.0318.44 ± 0.1318.45 e ± 0.07
Quince S1 (Cydonia oblonga)17.98 ± 0.0218.03 ± 0.0018.11 ± 0.0918.04 ab ± 0.07
M918.04 ± 0.0818.05 ± 0.0318.04 ± 0.0518.07 ab ± 0.06
M2618.01 ± 0.1317.97 ± 0.0618.04 ± 0.0518.01 a ± 0.09
M718.07 ± 0.0018.15 ± 0.0118.08 ± 0.0318.10 abc ± 0.04
A218.03 ± 0.0518.45 ± 0.0118.13 ± 0.0918.20 bcd ± 0.20
P6018.12 ± 0.0318.14 ± 0.0218.16 ± 0.0418.14 abc ± 0.04
P1418.04 ± 0.0117.96 ± 0.0618.09 ± 0.0218.03 a ± 0.07
Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)18.14 ± 0.0818.17 ± 0.1418.21 ± 0.0218.17 abc ± 0.09
Mahaleb Cherry (Prunus mahaleb)19.51 ± 0.0618.39 ± 0.0018.46 ± 0.0418.79 f ± 0.54
Average18.23 B ± 0.4018.21 AB ± 0.3118.19 A ± 0.1418.21 ± 0.27
Mean values ± standard deviation. Identical superscripts denote no significant (p < 0.05) differences between the experimental objects according to the post-hoc Tukey HSD test.
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Matłok, N.; Zaguła, G.; Gorzelany, J.; Balawejder, M. Analysis of the Energy Potential of Waste Biomass Generated from Fruit Tree Seedling Production. Energies 2024, 17, 5964. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235964

AMA Style

Matłok N, Zaguła G, Gorzelany J, Balawejder M. Analysis of the Energy Potential of Waste Biomass Generated from Fruit Tree Seedling Production. Energies. 2024; 17(23):5964. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235964

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matłok, Natalia, Grzegorz Zaguła, Józef Gorzelany, and Maciej Balawejder. 2024. "Analysis of the Energy Potential of Waste Biomass Generated from Fruit Tree Seedling Production" Energies 17, no. 23: 5964. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235964

APA Style

Matłok, N., Zaguła, G., Gorzelany, J., & Balawejder, M. (2024). Analysis of the Energy Potential of Waste Biomass Generated from Fruit Tree Seedling Production. Energies, 17(23), 5964. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235964

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