"The influence of enviromental variables and soil characteristics on productivity and fuel qualità of black locust plantation in umbria region (Italy)"

The aim of the present paper is to describe the influence of meteorological parameters and soil characteristics on biomass production and on resulting biofuel characteristics by experimental analysis in a field in Umbria (Italy). The plantation is composed by 4 ha of black locust. A data hog station was used to measure meteorological parameters. 35 Plants were monitored measuring every 17 days the height and diameter of each one. The proximate and ultimate analysis of biomass and soil were carried out using a thermogravimetric balance and a CHN analyser; biofuel energetic parameters, such as heating value, were also measured with a calorimeter. Biomass yield was compared to data provided by a simulation model which was obtained from the Literature and modified to accept solar radiation values experimentally acquired. Preliminary results are encouraging for further development of the model, which may include temperature and rain.