Environmental Aspects of Kenaf Production and Use

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

his chapter outlines the environmental aspects of kenaf production and utilization, focusing on the impact on biotic and abiotic resources, through the analysis of the crop's interaction with its environment and management practices. In this study, the assessment of data retrieved from literature was supplemented with results obtained from the Biokenaf project. As a bioenergy and biomaterials carrier, kenaf offers ecological advantages over fossil sources by contributing to reduction of greenhouse gases and energy savings. Nevertheless, a negative impact may be perceived in terms of acidifying emissions. Although the different indicators did not yield a common pattern, overall results suggest that kenaf crop have an advantage over other annual energy crop systems, namely regarding pesticides and fertilizers inputs. However, risks associated with soil quality, erodibility, use of resources, and biodiversity are equivalent to most annual energy crops. Crop management options can influence the outcomes, but site specific factors should be accurately assessed to evaluate the adequacy between crop and location. In addition, environmental hot spots in the systems are detected and options for improvement are presented
Original languageUnknown
Title of host publicationKenaf: A Multi-Purpose Crop for Several Industrial Applications
EditorsA Monti, E Alexopoulou
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherSpringer-Verlag
Pages83-104
Edition1st
ISBN (Print)978-1-4471-5066-4/978-1-4471-5067-1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013

Publication series

NameGreen Energy and Technology
PublisherSpringer-Verlag
NumberVII

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