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•Rapeseed and Ethiopian mustard showed differences in seed, oil and residue yields.•Pure vegetable oils represents an element of increasing income for farmers.•Defatted seed meal and ...straw are economically convenient in a short agroenergy chain.•Cash flow analysis of CHP plant indicate a profitable net present value.•The availability of government incentives is fundamental in the market of bioenergy.
Potential energy feedstocks from conventional agriculture usually include pure vegetable oil (PVO) and agricultural/forest residues. Their uses can represent a starting point for the development of short agro-energy chains in the south areas of the Mediterranean region. This paper focused on testing and awareness raising of biofuel production for the cogeneration of electricity and heat from PVO of two Brassica oilseed crops in Sicily (Italy). The main aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the agronomic performance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera D.C.) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) in semi-arid climate condition; ii) to analyze the quality of PVO and the chemical-physical characteristics of pure vegetable oils, defatted seed meals and crop residues of the two species; iii) to define the economic viability of a pilot combined heat and power (CHP) plant operating on PVO. In this study, seed and crop residue yields were determined at the harvesting stage on a harvest area of 10 m2. For each species, chemical-physical characterizations were carried out using specific protocols. The cogeneration of heat and electricity was carried out using a CHP system with a nominal power of 75 kWh. The final stage of the study focused on the economic viability analysis of the CHP system. Seed yields of rapeseed and Ethiopian mustard were 2.10 and 1.16 t ha−1 on average, respectively. Ethiopian mustard obtained the highest performance of aboveground biomass yield (5.31 t ha−1). The fatty acid profiles of the PVO resulted different for the two oilseed crops. Ethiopian mustard had, on average, the highest glucosinolate content in the seeds. The cogenerator showed a consumption of 14.4 kg PVO h−1 on average. Cash-flow trend analysis showed good economic benefit for farmers. These results make the two species as promising energy crops for suitable short agro-energy chains in the south Mediterranean areas.
The management of Mediterranean Agroecosystems is crucial to prevent or mitigate sediment-related threats like soil erosion, water quality issues, and reservoir sedimentation. Hence, the ...identification of type, extent, and location of sediment sources and sinks, in relation to geological and landscape features, is a key prerequisite for identifying erosion hot spot areas and assessing sediment dynamics at catchment scale. This study was carried out in the upper Val d'Arda catchment (Northern Apennines, Italy). We applied geomorphological field mapping together with multi-temporal photointerpretation, GIS-based hydrological modelling, terrain analysis and photogrammetry. Our approach was aimed at exploring the main landscape features, as well as identifying the variety of processes influencing sediment dynamics. In this poorly studied area, we identified a high heterogeneity in terms of type and extent of sediment sources and related processes. Landslides are the most common processes contributing to the sediment yield. Their morphogenesis, extent and location are controlled mainly by lithology and topography. Large ancient earthflows have been the most important geomorphic factor in shaping the landscape, strongly influencing the surficial drainage pattern and the morphological evolution of the main fluvial systems. Upland rill-interrill erosion is another main sediment source, particularly on arable lands. Piping and gullying locally contribute to the development of badlands, and have a high potential for soil loss and sediment production. Finally, fluvial processes significantly contribute to the sediment yield with several active fluvial erosion scarps and bank erosion source areas. Alluvial sediments are locally stored in transient landforms such as bars or more permanent sinks such as floodplains or river terraces. Our study shows that an integrated methodology based on fieldwork, geomorphological mapping, GIS applications and proximal sensing methods is an effective approach to characterize complex geomorphic systems in the Northern Apennines.
•First synoptic geomorphological characterization of the upper Val d'Arda•Litho-morphological features promote strongly heterogeneous geomorphic systems.•Complex and polygenic geomorphic systems interact intensively with human activities.•Landslides are major sediment sources and influence channel network configuration.•Soil erosion, bank erosion and mass movements severely impact the agroecosystem.
In high-altitude environments, most of the debris-free glacier forelands are increasingly widening and the bare surfaces left by retreating glaciers offer the opportunity to investigate the evolution ...of soil through time. The main aim of this study is to discuss the applicability of a chronosequence approach in a deglaciated area, by considering the role of different soil forming factors. A study case has been selected (Alpe Veglia, Lepontine Alps), where field and laboratory characterizations were performed along a transect of 12 soil profiles from the proglacial area of the Aurona Glacier to the Alpe Veglia hollow, crossing different age glacial deposits. The results of soil physical and chemical analyses underline a time-trend of soil properties. On the other hand, even if the soil properties variability along the transect can be mainly explained according to the soil chronosequence approach, the data seem to highlight how the various soil forming factors (e.g. parent material, relief, vegetation) influence soil features, partly masking the effect of the time factor inducing a divergence from a traditional chronosequence. In particular, the morphology of the surrounding reliefs, depending on bedrock lithologies and structures, and the geomorphic dynamics seem to affect soil formation and evolution.
Abstract Background The aim of the study was to verify the effects of hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus a high furosemide dose and light restriction of sodium intake compared with a high-dose ...infusion of furosemide alone on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), as determined by Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in patients suffering from decompensated heart failure. Methods and Results Consecutive patients in New York Heart Association functional class IV, unresponsive to oral high doses of furosemide up to 250–500 mg/d and/or combinations of diuretics, with ejection fraction <40%, serum creatinine <2 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen ≤60 mg/dL, reduced urinary volume (<500 mL/24 h), and low natriuresis (<60 mEq/24 h) were randomized into 2 groups (double blind). The first group received a furosemide infusion (250 mg) plus HSS (150 mL 3.0% Na) bid and light Na restriction (120 mmol), and the second group received furosemide infusion (250 mg) twice daily, and low Na diet (80 mmol). The fluid intake of both groups was restricted (1 L/d). Body weight, whole-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), 24-hour urinary volume, and serum and urinary laboratory parameters were measured daily. Estimations of echocardiographic PCWP (Echo-PCWP) were detected on entry, 1 hour after concluding the initial treatment, and 6 days thereafter. A total of 133 patients (47 women and 86 men), aged 65–82 years, met the entry criteria.The HSS group revealed a significant increase in daily diuresis, natriuresis, and serum sodium compared with the furosemide group. Six days after treatment, renal function was significantly improved in the HSS group. Both groups showed a significant reduction in Echo-PCWP, but the HHS group revealed a faster reduction and significant lower values at 6 days compared with the group taking furosemide alone. We observed a positive correlation between values of Echo-PCWP and BNP and an inverse correlation between BIA parameters and Echo-PCWP. Conclusions Our data show that the combination of high diuretic dose and HSS infusion plus light restriction in dietary sodium intake determine a more rapid and significant hemodynamic stabilization through the improvement of echo-PCWP, BNP levels, and BIA parameters than the group treated without HSS.
•A numerical model of a Borehole Heat Exchanger with groundwater flow is created.•The model is carefully validated against analytical solutions.•The mutual influence of the BHE heat rate and the ...ground temperature field is shown.•For 10−1⩽Pe⩽1 the heat rate increase with respect to null velocity is 11–105%.•Large groundwater velocities reduce the benefits of operating in both seasons.
In a saturated soil, the groundwater flow affects both the energy performance and the thermal impact on the surrounding soil of Borehole Heat Exchangers linked to Ground-Source Heat Pumps. In this paper a numerical model in MODFLOW/MT3DMS of a single U-pipe in a sandy aquifer is proposed in order to investigate the two issues in a coupled approach. After validating the model, the typical yearly operation of a Borehole Heat Exchanger extracting and injecting heat into the ground is simulated. For 0.1⩽Pe⩽1 cold and warm plumes develop and the heat rate increases non linearly from 11% to 105%.
Tests for evaluating the agronomical response to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local biotype of Origanum collected at Monreale (Palermo), in an area having the typical ...soil and climatic conditions of the Sicilian environment. Data about plant biometric characteristics (height at different growth phases, number of branches per plant, fresh weight yield) and the proportions among inflorescences, leaves and stems were collected. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density influenced the yield, but not the plant height. The best results were obtained in the second year, when the highest values of biometric characteristics were measured. In 2000/2001, tests of mechanical harvest were carried out for each plant density, using a reaper-binder made by BCS. In the second year the machine was modified, in order to improve its working productivity and quality
Dal 1998 al 2001, su un biotipo locale di Origanum raccolto a Monreale (Palermo), in un'area con condizioni pedoclimatiche tipiche dell'ambiente siciliano, sono state effettuate prove per valutare la risposta agronomica a quattro densita' di piante. Sono stati raccolti i dati relativi alle caratteristiche biometriche delle piante (altezza nelle diverse fasi di crescita, numero di branche per pianta, resa in peso fresco) e alle proporzioni fra infiorescenze, foglie e fusti. Inoltre, sono state effettuate analisi dell'olio essenziale per ogni densita' di coltivazione. I risultati hanno messo in evidenza che la densita' influenzava la resa produttiva, ma non l'altezza delle piante. I migliori risultati sono stati ottenuti nel secondo anno, in cui sono stati registrati i valori piu' elevati delle caratteristiche biometriche. Nel 2000/2001 sono state condotte prove di raccolta meccanica per ogni densita' di piante, utilizzando una mietilega prodotta dalla BCS. Nel secondo anno la macchina e' stata modificata, allo scopo di migliorarne la capacita' e la qualita' di lavoro
Effects of plant density on Rosmarinus officinalis L. and first tests of mechanical transplanting [rosemary; Sicily] Leto, C. (Palermo Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Agronomia, Coltivazioni Erbacee e Pedologia); Bella, S. La (Palermo Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Agronomia, Coltivazioni Erbacee e Pedologia); Tuttolomondo, T. (Palermo Univ. (Italy). Dipartimento di Agronomia, Coltivazioni Erbacee e Pedologia) ...
Agricoltura Mediterranea (Italy),
(2004), Volume:
134, Issue:
3-4
Journal Article
Tests for evaluating the agronomical response of rosemary to four plant densities were carried out from 1998 to 2001, on a local ecotype of rosemary, in an area having the typical soil and climatic ...conditions of the Sicilian inland hilly environment. Data about biometric characteristics (plant height, number of stems per plant, fresh and dry yield), the ratio between leaf weight and dry weight and the ratio between stem weight and dry weight, both expressed as percent, were monitored. Moreover, essential oil analyses were carried out for each plant density. The results showed that the plant density positively influenced the fresh and dry yield, while it negatively affected the number of stems. For each plant density comparisons between manual and mechanical transplanting were carried out. The mechanical transplanting with a one row transplanter showed values of working capacity and productivity seven to ten times higher than those obtained with the manual transplanting. The highest working productivity was recorded for the highest plant density
Dal 1998 al 2001 sono state condotte prove per valutare la risposta agronomica del rosmarino a quattro densità di impianto, utilizzando un ecotipo locale di rosmarino, in un´area dalle caratteristiche pedoclimatiche tipiche dell´entroterra montano siciliano. Sono stati raccolti i dati sulle caratteristiche biometriche (altezza delle piante, numero di fusti per pianta, resa produttiva espressa come preso fresco e secco), il rapporto fra peso delle foglie e peso secco e fra peso del fusto e peso secco, ambedue espressi in percentuale. Inoltre, sono state condotte analisi sull´olio essenziale per ogni densità delle piante. I risultati hanno mostrato che la densità delle piante influenzava positivamente la resa in peso fresco e secco, mentre aveva effetti negativi sul numero di fusti. Per ogni densità di impianto sono stati effettuati confronti fra il trapianto manuale e meccanico. Il trapianto meccanico con una trapiantatrice monofila ha evidenziato valori di capacità e produttività del lavoro da sette a dieci volte più elevati rispetto a quelli ottenuti con il trapianto manuale. La capacità di lavoro più alta è stata riscontrata nel caso della densità più elevata delle piante.
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