Author(s)

A. Adamovičs, V. Dubrovskis & R. Platače

Abstract

Due to the growing shortage of fossil fuels, the use of alternative energy sources has become increasingly more popular; therefore it is necessary to study the suitability of various biomasses for energy production. In Latvia, maize is the dominating crop used for biogas production; thus it is desirable to cultivate a higher variety of crops having good economical characteristics and low environmental impact. Within the research, biometric parameters of ten industrial hemp cultivars were investigated. The characteristic indicators studied covered yield of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) dry matter, digestion process for biogas production, average methane yield per unit of dry organic matter, average methane content, etc. Moreover, the suitability of two industrial hemp varieties, ‘Futura75’ and ‘Uso31’, for biogas production was tested. Research results conclude that under agro-ecological conditions of Latvia, all investigated plants may be successfully cultivated for energy production; moreover hemp leaves are the most suitable for biogas production. The aim of this study was the evaluation of possibilities to produce biogas from hemp. Keywords: hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), productivity, anaerobic digestion, biogas, methane, energy crops.

Keywords

hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), productivity, anaerobic digestion, biogas,methane, energy crops.