Marco Manzone

Energy and CO2 analysis of poplar and maize crops for biomass production in north Italy

The rising price of fossil fuel and the increasing environmental concern encourage the use of biomasses as energy sources. Aim of this study was to compare two poplar SRC and vSRC (6 and 3 years rotation cycle) with an annual crop (maize), used for biomass production in north Italy.

Filtration system performance cleaning exhaust air of pneumatic maize seed drills

BACKGROUND In the agricultural sector, toxic substances can be released into the atmosphere. In recent years, Europe has encountered a significant environmental issue related to the dispersion of pesticides during maize seeding, especially when performed with pneumatic seed drills. This phenomenon can be very dangerous for insects, as the dispersed dust contains pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, etc.) used to dress maize seeds. On the basis of these considerations, experimental tests have been carried out using a filtration system to clean the airflow that exits from the fan of pneumatic maize seed drills. RESULTS The tested filtration system does not interfere with the seeding quality because the vacuum level observed within the filtration system assembled on the seeder (5.7 kPa) is 27% higher than the correct vacuum level to guarantee good seeding quality (4.2 kPa). In addition, it enables a reduction in the risk of environmental contamination, as no dust deposits were found at different distances from the machine. CONCLUSION The use of a filtration system shows advantages in terms of environmental and operator safety because dangerous materials are contained in the filter case, thus avoiding contamination of neighbouring areas and the machinery used (tractor and seed drill).

Effect of sprayer settings on spray drift during pesticide application in poplar plantations (Populus spp.)

This study assessed spray drift generated by sprayer settings commonly used for pesticide application in poplar plantations (Populus spp.). Tests were conducted per the ISO 22866 methodology using a mounted air-assisted sprayer (Tifone VRP600) equipped with a swivel-cannon air conveyor (model Cannone 50S). Trials evaluated sprayer settings, combinations of nozzle types, airflow rates, and air direction in both adult and young poplar plantations. Overall, spray drift amounts registered downwind of poplar plantations were less than those obtained to derive reference drift curves during the EU Plant Protection Product registration process that used late-growth-stage fruit crops. In the adult poplar plantation, Venturi nozzles (TVI 8004 red) yielded the highest drift reductions compared to reference sprayer setting, especially at distances farthest from the sprayed area (86% between 40 and 47m). Highest total drift reductions were achieved when conventional nozzles (1.81mm ceramic disc-core) were combined with their spray direction modified for an inclined cannon spray unit. Alternatively, the young poplar plantation showed no drift reduction for distances farthest from the sprayed area, regardless of sprayer settings, which likely resulted from lower foliage density and widely-spaced rows. Yet, both Venturi nozzles combined with high fan flow rates and conventional nozzles combined with reduced fan flow rate showed total spray drift reductions of over 70% within the downwind sampling area. These experimental results represent the first set of data on spray drift amounts in poplar plantations, which is key for defining the reference curves and best practices to reduce spray drift in tall tree plantations.

Dust drift reduction effect of an air conveyor kit (dual pipe deflector) mounted on different maize pneumatic drills

BACKGROUND All maize drills produce a fine dust due to the seed coating abrasions that occur inside the seeding element. The air stream generated by the fan of pneumatic drills - necessary to create a depression in the sowing element of the machine and to guarantee correct seed deposition - can blow away the solid particles detached from the seeds. In order to reduce this phenomenon, a coated maize seeds company (Syngenta®) has set up an ad hoc dual-pipe deflector kit that easily fits different pneumatic drills (also old drills). In this study, the efficiency of this kit and the influence of different drill types on the kits performance in reducing environmental pollution were evaluated using three different pneumatic seed drill models. RESULTS The research showed that a dual-pipe deflector installed on a drill in standard configuration did not change the seeder performance, and by using this kit on pneumatic drills, irrespective of their design, it is possible to reduce by up to 69% the amount of dust drift in comparison with the conventional machine set-up. CONCLUSION The dual-pipe deflector, under the conditions employed in the present experiments, showed good performance with all types of maize pneumatic drill used. Irrespective of the seeder model on which it is mounted, it is able to obtain similar results, indicating its high operational versatility.

Potential external contamination of pneumatic seed drills during sowing of dressed maize seeds

BACKGROUND The use of pneumatic drills in maize cultivation causes dispersion in the atmosphere of some harmful substances normally used for dressing maize seeds. Some of the dust particles may be deposited on the machines body, becoming dangerous for the environment and for operators. The aim of the present study was to analyse the amount of dust deposited on the frame of drills during maize sowing operations. Tests were performed with different drills and in different operating conditions. RESULTS Data analysis showed that a significant amount (up to 30%) of the tracer can be deposited on the drill body. When wind was not present, higher quantities of tracer were collected and the forward speed did not influence significantly the tracer deposit on the seed drills. The use of different devices designed to prevent dust dispersion was able to limit up to 95% but was not able to eliminate the external contamination of the drill. CONCLUSION The particles present on drills could become a problem for the operator during the filling of the drill. Additionally, the environment can be contaminated if pesticide remains on the drill, generating point-source pollution when the drill is parked outside.

A bundler prototype for forestry and agricultural residue management for energy production

ABSTRACT In recent years, a large amount of wood biomass has been produced for energy use by the agricultural and forestry sectors. The goal of this study was to set up a chip bundler prototype which can work with different feedstocks (agricultural and forestry residues). During tests, the prototype was able to produce bundles with a weight between 18 and 20 kg requiring an energy input of between 0.54 and 0.58 MJ kg−1, respectively. The production cost of a single bundle was €2.43, independent of the loading type (mechanical or manual) adopted. The bundler tested seems ideal for the agro-forestry sector because it shows a high versatility: the form and size of the biomass processed does not interfere with productivity or cost. In addition, the prototype requires a small amount of power and a small investment. Because of these reasons, the bundler can be used by individual farmers and small businesses.