Article
Agronomy
Jessica Rebola-Lichtenberg, Peter Schall, Christian Ammer
Summary: The study analyzed the biomass yield of eight different poplar hybrids and black locust in mixed short rotation coppice after 5 years of rotation. The results showed that black locust benefited from mixed cropping, while poplars did not. The dominance and competitiveness of black locust led to poorer performance of all eight poplar genotypes.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Iulian-Constantin Danila, Cristian Mititelu, Ciprian Palaghianu
Summary: This case study fills the gap of productivity map of new poplar clones in Romania by estimating the biomass production of different density hybrid poplar clones. The outcomes reveal the significant impact of density and climatic conditions on productivity.
Article
Forestry
Paloma Perez, Ruth Barro, Javier Perez, Miguel J. Fernandez, Amelia Moyano, Pilar Ciria
Summary: Research shows that in marginal Mediterranean areas, poplar leaf litter decomposition is slow, accelerated by seasonal factors, providing abundant nutrients to the system and enhancing the profitability and sustainability of energy crops.
Article
Agronomy
Xia Jia, Jiamin Zhao, Ningjing Zhang, Yonghua Zhao, Chunyan Zhang, Lu Wang, Kemeng Cao, Yunfeng Gao
Summary: The study found that total sugars and monosaccharides accumulation in the rhizosphere soil of black locust seedlings exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 and cadmium contamination increased, with glucose being the most abundant sugar. Under eCO2 + Cd conditions, sugars in rhizosphere soils may mainly come from microbial synthesis.
Article
Forestry
Jessica Rebola-Lichtenberg, Juliane Streit, Peter Schall, Christian Ammer, Dominik Seidel
Summary: Short rotation coppices with mixed plantings of fast-growing Populus hybrids and N-fixing Robinia pseudoacacia may initially exhibit complementarity effects, but over time the competitive advantage of Robinia pseudoacacia begins to overshadow the facilitative benefits of species interaction.
Article
Agronomy
Yunjie Wang, Chunyan Zhang, Lu Wang, Yonghua Zhao, Yunfeng Gao, Xia Jia
Summary: This study investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soluble sugars, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in the rhizosphere soil of black locust seedlings. The results showed that AMF significantly decreased the accumulation of low molecular weight soluble compounds in the rhizosphere soil and led to an increase in pH and Cd content. These findings contribute to our understanding of the regulation of AMF on rhizosphere soil carbon pool and the migration of heavy metals under elevated CO2 scenarios.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pawel Stachowicz, Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski
Summary: Biomass is the main renewable energy source in the EU, particularly in Poland, and is sourced from forests, the wood processing industry, and agriculture. The study assessed biomass thermophysical properties and elemental composition based on plant species, soil enrichment procedure, and harvest rotation. It found that these factors significantly influenced characteristics such as moisture content, ash content, higher heating value, and elemental compositions.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Junjun Zhu, Han Zhang, Ningxin Jiao, Guangliu Xu, Yong Xu
Summary: In this study, an integrated process involving hydrothermal and acid hydrotropic pretreatment was proposed for co-producing high value-added xylooligosaccharides, fermentable sugars, and lignin nanoparticles from poplar. The results showed that the process could effectively extract xylooligosaccharides and produce lignin nanoparticles, with improved enzymatic hydrolysis yield achieved through alkaline treatment.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raffaele Spinelli, Natascia Magagnotti, Carolina Lombardini, Elaine Cristina Leonello
Summary: The main challenge in designing a cost-effective harvesting system for European short-rotation plantations is the small tree size. This challenge is further complicated by the need for 4-meter logs for high-end products, ruling out whole-tree chipping. A simple system involving mechanical felling, tractor skidding, and excavator operation has been proven capable of maintaining harvesting costs below 17 euros per green ton, with limited capital investment and versatility for alternative jobs.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivo Paulo, Luis Costa, Abel Rodrigues, Sofia Oriskova, Sandro Matos, Diogo Goncalves, Ana Raquel Goncalves, Luciana Silva, Salome Vieira, Joao Carlos Bordado, Rui Galhano dos Santos
Summary: The study focused on the liquefaction of biomass to obtain bio-oil for chemical and energetic applications. The researchers used short rotation coppice (SRC) poplar cultivations and found high bio-oil yields ranging between 70.7 and 81.5%. The study also revealed correlations between the carbon content and higher heating value (HHV) in the bio-oil, indicating the potential for bio-oil to contribute to renewable energy and a greener global economy.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. H. Eisenbies, T. A. Volk, D. DeSouza, K. Hallen, B. Stanton, J. Espinoza, A. Himes, R. Shuren, R. Stonex, B. Summers, J. Zerpa
Summary: Data on commercial-scale harvesting operations in hybrid poplar short rotation crops is needed to understand costs and logistics for large scale biorefineries. A study on the in-field performance of a single-pass cut-and-chip harvester operating in commercial fields found that material capacity peaked in dry conditions, decreased in wet conditions, and was affected by standing biomass. Wet ground conditions required more power and resulted in decreased material capacity and increased fuel consumption. Crops with higher standing biomass had lower specific fuel consumption, but could slow down progress and lower material capacity. Developing relationships between material capacity and fuel consumption based on standing biomass and ground conditions is essential for environmental and economic analyses.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Endre Schiberna, Attila Borovics, Attila Benke
Summary: There has been no prior research on the range of sites, potential yield, and financial characteristics of poplar short rotation coppice plantations in Hungary. A model presented in this paper suggests that these plantations have the potential for profitable financial performance, with considerations for break-even points and wood chip prices. Industrial poplar plantations have longer rotation periods and higher returns, while short rotation coppice plantations offer more evenly distributed cash flow. Expanding the application of poplar short rotation coppice may require specific subsidies and an extension of the rotation cycle beyond the current 15 years limit.
Article
Forestry
Oleksandra Kuchma, Jessica Rebola-Lichtenberg, Dennis Janz, Konstantin V. Krutovsky, Christian Ammer, Andrea Polle, Oliver Gailing
Summary: Mixed cropping in short rotation coppice can replace monocultures. RNA sequencing was used to monitor the gene expression of poplar under mixed and pure cultivations. Black locust and the abiotic environment exerted strong competition pressure on poplar. Shading effects and water competition influenced the growth and gene expression in mixed stands.
Article
Forestry
Zeki Kaya, Bircan Taskiran, Asiye Ulug, Aysun D. Guvendiren, Jill L. Wegrzyn, David B. Neale
Summary: An association genetics approach was used to investigate the genetic control of wood traits in European black poplar. The study identified several candidate genes and their associations with cellulose, lignin, and 6C sugar contents. Moderate heritabilities were observed for cellulose and 6C sugar, while lignin had low heritability. Single-marker associations were found for cellulose, lignin, and 6C sugar contents, with one marker (CesA3A-15-456) showing a significant association with cellulose. Further investigation with a larger and diverse study population is warranted for these associations.
TREE GENETICS & GENOMES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Meysam Madadi, Dan Liu, Yuanhang Qin, Yinchao Zhang, Keikhosro Karimi, Meisam Tabatabaei, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Mortaza Aghbashlo, Sameh Samir Zahoor, Sameh Samir Ali
Summary: This study aims to develop an integrated pretreatment technology for the complete conversion of poplar biomass to XOS, glucose, and native-like lignin, using TsOH-catalyzed LHW and short-time ball milling. The optimized TsOH-catalyzed LHW pretreatment solubilized 98.5% of hemicellulose, releasing 49.8% XOS. Subsequent ball milling improved the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and reduced crystallinity. This research proposes a sustainable waste-free biorefinery for biomass valorization.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Ibarra, Luisa Garcia-Fuentevilla, Gabriela Dominguez, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Manuel Hernandez, Maria E. Arias, Jose I. Santos, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: The usage of laccases is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to modifying the Kraft lignin structure for use in certain applications. However, the inherent structure of Kraft lignin, as well as that resulting from laccase modification, still presents challenges for fundamental comprehension and successful lignin valorization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Luisa Garcia-Fuentevilla, Gabriela Dominguez, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Manuel Hernandez, Maria E. Arias, Jose I. Santos, David Ibarra, Maria E. Eugenio
Summary: This study investigated the polymerization of kraft lignin using different laccase sources and analyzed the influence of various variables. The response surface methodology was used to predict and characterize the behavior of the output variables. The results demonstrated that laccase could promote lignin polymerization, with enzyme concentration being the most influential variable.
Article
Forestry
A. Fuertes, N. Oliveira, C. Perez-Cruzado, I Canellas, H. Sixto, R. Rodriguez-Soalleiro
Summary: This study aims to adapt the foliar variables of the process-based model 3-PG to optimize yield predictions of poplar plantations and identify the foliar parameters that respond significantly to restrictive irrigation. The results will improve the estimation ability of the 3-PG model for variables such as Net Primary Productivity, leaf litterfall, and the soil-plant nutrient cycle.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier Garcia, Roberto Fernandez, Ekaterina Noskova, June Egiguren-Ortiz, Marina Gulak, Eneko Ochoa, Antonio Laso, Mikel Oiarbide, Jose Ignacio Santos, Maria Fe Andres, Azucena Gonzalez-Coloma, Albert Adell, Egoitz Astigarraga, Gabriel Barreda-Gomez
Summary: Cannabis has been used as a palliative therapy for cancer treatment due to its beneficial effects on pain and nausea. The main compounds in Cannabis, THC and CBD, exert their actions through receptor-mediated and non-receptor-mediated mechanisms, affecting the formation of reactive oxygen species. Evidence suggests a potential antitumor effect of cannabinoids in different types of cancer, although controversial results limit their implementation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raquel Canadas, Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Maria Gonzalez-Miquel, Emilio J. Gonzalez, Ignacio Ballesteros, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra
Summary: This study evaluated a novel strategy for pre-treated biomass detoxification using emerging green solvents and low environmental impact extraction technologies. Steam-exploded biomass underwent microwave-assisted or orbital shaking extraction with bio-based or eutectic solvents. The extracted biomass was enzymatically hydrolyzed to improve sugar production. The addition of a post-extraction water washing step was also examined. The best results were obtained when steam-exploded biomass was subjected to microwave-assisted extraction combined with the washing step, achieving the highest sugar production (49.80 ± 3.10 g total sugar/L) compared to the control (30.43 ± 0.34 g total sugar/L). These findings suggest that a detoxification step based on green solvents could effectively extract phenolic inhibitors and enhance sugar production from pre-treated biomass.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raquel Martin-Sampedro, Pilar Aranda, Gustavo del Real, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Margarita Darder
Summary: By combining organic residue (such as kraft lignin) and natural clay (such as montmorillonite) using ultrasound, the properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) can be significantly improved. The addition of kraft lignin provides UV-shielding, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity, while incorporating montmorillonite reduces oxygen and water vapor permeabilities. The inclusion of both lignin and montmorillonite exhibits a synergistic effect, resulting in enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, gas barrier permeability, UV-shielding, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities in the HPMC bionanocomposite.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Antonio Ruano, Iciar Alberdi, Patricia Adame, Daniel Moreno-Fernandez, Alejandro Cantero Amiano, Juan Fernandez-Golfin, Eva Hermoso, Laura Hernandez, Esther Merlo, Vicente Sandoval, Isabel Canellas
Summary: This paper proposes a methodology for obtaining a visual wood quality proxy in a cost-efficient way during National Forest Inventories in Europe. The importance of selected variables, identified limitations, and suggested improvements to the methodology are discussed. Forest areas with better wood quality, useful for breeding programs, can be easily detected.
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose F. Rubio-Valle, Jose E. Martin-Alfonso, Maria E. Eugenio, David Ibarra, Jose M. Oliva, Paloma Manzanares, Concepcion Valencia
Summary: This work presents the chemical and structural characterization of a lignin-rich residue from bioethanol production of olive stones, and explores its potential for developing nanostructures through electrospinning and castor oil structuring. The results reveal that the olive stone lignin-rich residue (OSL) has a high lignin content and specific structural properties. The electrospun nanostructures obtained from OSL and cellulose triacetate exhibit different morphologies, which are highly influenced by the rheological properties of the polymer solutions. Furthermore, the uniform nanofiber mats can be dispersed in castor oil, forming gel-like dispersions. The rheological properties are affected by the membrane concentration, OSL:CT weight ratio, and morphology of the electrospun nanostructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Fuertes, N. Oliveira, I. Canellas, H. Sixto, R. Rodriguez-Soalleiro, M. Hanewinkel, D. Sperlich
Summary: This study compares the potential of carbon sequestration and economic viability of poplar short rotation coppice systems under different irrigation conditions. The results show that restrictive irrigation due to climate change challenges the productivity and profitability of these plantations. Improving irrigation and promoting biomass utilization are important for short-to medium-term carbon sequestration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)