Energy crop cultivation processes

However, the area-related energy yield is not the sole criteria for evaluating the energy efficiency of a crop species and/or a fuel type. The energy inputs (CED) of cultivation and conversion processes (see Table 5.7), the DM losses, the energetic use of by-products and the further ways of utilisation must also be considered. 

Oilseed crops are already worldwide cultivated today Well-established industry and the handling of the different resources is developed Fatty acids can be directly converted to a valuable-energy product (biodiesel) Economic processes for the utilization of glycerol and seed cakes are underdeveloped Fertilizers required for high-yield production... 

Canola-based biodiesel gels at a lower temperature than the one produced from other feedstocks make it a more suitable fuel for colder regions, with a cloud point of 1°C and a pour point of —9°C (Peterson et al., 1997). The Canola Council of Canada published in 2010 an LCA study on canola biodiesel that shows a crop with a good energy balance and a lower GHG emissions profile when cultivated in Canada rather than in Europe. These effects are due to differences in the agronomic process low annual precipitation (less N2O emissions), alkaline soils (no pH adjustment required), use of ammonium-type fertilizers (with lower emissions than nitrate ones), and conservation tillage practices, among other factors (Inc., 2010). 

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