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Variations in fuel characteristics of corn (Zea mays) stovers: General spatial patterns and relationships to soil properties

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  • Xiong, Shaojun
  • Zhang, Yufen
  • Zhuo, Yue
  • Lestander, Torbjörn
  • Geladi, Paul

Abstract

The geographic variations in corn stover fuel and soil characteristics from 22 sites in the Kerchin region (43.8–45.0°N, 122.7–125.1°E), north-east China, were examined in both 2006 and 2007. The correlations between fuel characteristics and soil parameters were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS). The main emphasis was on the feasibility of using corn stovers as feedstock in direct combustion for heat and power generation. The examined corn stovers from Kerchin generally have similar characteristics to energy grasses grown in Europe and may be used as biofuels. However, large variations, up to several orders of magnitude, in the fuel characteristics existed among the samples. With PCA, the studied soils showed a clear distinction between soluble and less soluble elements, with a trend for higher insoluble element (such as Si) concentrations in south-western soils and a higher pH in the more northern soils. The component for fuel characteristics showed a distinct trend with latitude that can be explained by the above-mentioned soil component pattern. PLS regression models suggested some important relationships that may be used to predict corn stover fuel characteristics using soil and environment properties; for example, latitude, soil pH and Si are the most important predictors for Ca content in corn stovers, but not for K that is best predicted by soil K. Although limited by numbers of samples and sites, this study indicated that this approach can be used to predict biofuel quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiong, Shaojun & Zhang, Yufen & Zhuo, Yue & Lestander, Torbjörn & Geladi, Paul, 2010. "Variations in fuel characteristics of corn (Zea mays) stovers: General spatial patterns and relationships to soil properties," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 1185-1191.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:35:y:2010:i:6:p:1185-1191
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2009.11.032
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Nizamuddin, Sabzoi & Baloch, Humair Ahmed & Griffin, G.J. & Mubarak, N.M. & Bhutto, Abdul Waheed & Abro, Rashid & Mazari, Shaukat Ali & Ali, Brahim Si, 2017. "An overview of effect of process parameters on hydrothermal carbonization of biomass," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 1289-1299.
    2. Brojolall, Neeha & Surroop, Dinesh, 2022. "Improving fuel characteristics through torrefaction," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    3. Tao, Guangcan & Lestander, Torbjörn A. & Geladi, Paul & Xiong, Shaojun, 2012. "Biomass properties in association with plant species and assortments I: A synthesis based on literature data of energy properties," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 3481-3506.
    4. Pierre-Luc Lizotte & Philippe Savoie & Alain De Champlain, 2015. "Ash Content and Calorific Energy of Corn Stover Components in Eastern Canada," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-12, May.
    5. Tao, Guangcan & Geladi, Paul & Lestander, Torbjörn A. & Xiong, Shaojun, 2012. "Biomass properties in association with plant species and assortments. II: A synthesis based on literature data for ash elements," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 3507-3522.
    6. Wei, Maogui & Zhu, Wanbin & Xie, Guanghui & Lestander, Torbjörn A. & Xiong, Shaojun, 2015. "Cassava stem wastes as potential feedstock for fuel ethanol production: A basic parameter study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 970-978.

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