title: Life cycle assessment of the integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass (IFBB) in comparison to different energy recovery, animal-based and non-refining management systems.
abstract: The study compares energy production from semi-natural grasslands by the integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass (IFBB) through mechanical separation of the biomass with the dry fermentation (DF) and hay combustion system (HC). In addition, traditional use for beef cattle production and non-refining systems of landscape conservation, i.e. mulching and composting, are considered. Highest conversion efficiency (45-54% of the gross yield), net savings of fossil fuels (44-54 GJ ha(-1)) and net savings of greenhouse gases (2.9-3.7 t CO(2-eq)ha(-1)) are obtained by HC and IFBB. Potentials of DF are limited due to low digestibility of the mature biomass.
authors.affiliation: Department of Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, University of Kassel, Steinstr. 19, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany. buehle@uni-kassel.de
authors.forename: Lutz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bühle
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hensgen
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Donnison
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Heinsoo
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wachendorf
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D056804:Biofuels; D018533:Biomass; D002417:Cattle
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels