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PREPARATION OF MEADOW BIOMASS FOR BIOGAS GENERATION

Meadow biomass with a humidity of 50%, freeze (temperature –27 ° C for 90 days), is an improved substrate for a biogas plant. Due to freezing, biogas production is increased by 90% compared to fresh biomass, and the methane content above 50% enables its energy use. Other benefits are the possibility of storing the substrate for biogas plants, and the management of biodegradable waste, such as meadow biomass.

The use of biomass is associated with rational waste management. In the past, meadows were a source of fodder for farm animals, now, with the decline in their numbers, a significant part of the meadows is no longer used for grazing animals. However, regular mowing of meadows, to maintain their environmental values, is supported by subsidies from agro-environmental programs. Therefore, meadow owners regularly mow them, but rarely make use of mowing residues. Such mowed meadow biomass can be an attractive substrate for the production of biogas, which is currently not used on a large scale in Poland. A preliminary economic analysis of the development of meadow biomass in biogas plants shows that although the yield of biogas from meadow biomass was slightly lower than from the popular maize silage, it turned out to be much cheaper to produce and more environmentally friendly. Currently, scientists from the Institute of Geological Sciences and the Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław are implementing a project financed by the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Wrocław, the aim of which is to select areas worth locating biogas plants. The analyzes include: the area and productivity of meadows and the biogas potential of specific plant species. The project fits the economic context and the strategy for the development of renewable energy in Poland.