Browsing by Author "Facciotto, Gianni"

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    Comparative economics of Sida hermaphrodita (l.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. as bioenergy crops in Europe
    (Elsevier, 2022-05-26) Cumplido-Marin, Laura; Burgess, Paul J.; Facciotto, Gianni; Coaloa, Domenico; Morhart, Christopher; Bury, Marek; Paris, Pierluigi; Nahm, Michael; Graves, Anil R.
    The purpose of this research was to fill the identified gap on financial data of Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby (Sida) and Silphium perfoliatum L. (Silphium), two perennial bioenergy crops that potentially provide a more sustainable alternative/complement to other bioenergy crops. Using discounted cash flow analysis, the Net Present Values of Sida and Silphium were compared to a rotation of other arable crops including maize, and the two energy crops of short rotation coppice and Miscanthus. The analysis was completed using the SidaTim analysis tool for the UK, Italy, Germany and Poland, producing a total of four independent models. The results showed that with no subsidies, cultivating Sida was unattractive in all four countries relative to other crop options. However, Silphium, was an economically viable option in each country. Both Sida and Silphium can offer greater environmental benefits than other arable crops, and the profitability of each crop would be further enhanced if additional payments for such public services were made to farmers, and if there were secure markets for the sale of the biomass. This study is the first comparative economic analysis in West and Central Europe of the two novel energy crops in comparison to more common energy crops and an arable rotation.
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    Performance of Sida hermaphrodita and silphium perfoliatum in Europe: Preliminary results
    (2018-12-31) Facciotto, Gianni; Bury, Marek; Chiocchini, Francesca; Cumplido-Marin, Laura; Czyż, Henryk; Graves, Anil; Kitczak, Teodor; Martens, Reent; Morhart, Christopher; Paris, Pierluigi; Nahm, Michael
    This paper reports preliminary results on growth and biomass production of two perennial herbs, Sida hermaphrodita (Virginia Mallow) and Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant), tested in the frame of SidaTim project (FACCE-SURPLUS) in German, Italy, Poland and UK. Sida can be used for energy or as a basic compound for various material products, such as fibre products or particle board. Silphium can be alternative to maize for biogas production.
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    Two novel energy crops: Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. - State of knowledge
    (MDPI, 2020-06-28) Cumplido-Marin, Laura; Graves, Anil R.; Burgess, Paul J.; Morhart, Christopher; Paris, Pierluigi; Jablonowski, Nicolai D.; Facciotto, Gianni; Bury, Marek; Martens, Reent
    Current global temperature increases resulting from human activity threaten many ecosystems and societies, and have led to international and national policy commitments that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy crops provide one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and two novel crops that could be used for this purpose are Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. This research examined the existing scientific literature available on both crops through a systematic review. The data were collated according to the agronomy, uses, and environmental benefits of each crop. Possible challenges were associated with high initial planting costs, low yields in low rainfall areas, and for Sida hermaphrodita, vulnerability to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, under appropriate environmental conditions, both crops were found to provide large yields over sustained periods of time with relatively low levels of management and could be used to produce large energy surpluses, either through direct combustion or biogas production. Other potential uses included fodder, fibre, and pharmaceutical uses. Environmental benefits included the potential for phytoremediation, and improvements to soil health, biodiversity, and pollination. The review also demonstrated that environmental benefits, such as pollination, soil health, and water quality benefits could be obtained from the use of Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum relative to existing bioenergy crops such as maize, whilst at the same time reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Future research should examine the long-term implications of using Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum as well as improve knowledge on how to integrate them successfully within existing farming systems and supply chains.