The assessment of GHG emissions from the cultivation of feedstocks for biofuel production in Poland
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.156035Abstract
The shift towards renewable energy sources (RES) is crucial for promoting sustainable growth in the EU, aiming to achieve at least a 42.5% contribution of RES to gross final energy consumption by 2030. The transportation sector must also adhere to emission reduction targets, owing to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This research examines the GHG emissions linked to the cultivation of feedstocks for biofuel production in Poland, specifically analysing wheat, triticale, rye, and maize. To assess and delineate the GHG emissions throughout the lifecycle of biomass production on selected Polish farms, the methodology endorsed by the Polish certification framework for sustainable biofuels and bioliquids (KZR INiG system) was employed, as validated by the European Commission. Data were gathered from 294 questionnaires distributed across large-scale agricultural operations in 91 diverse locations throughout Poland. Findings reveal that emissions varied from 14.3 g CO2eq∙kg-1 for maize to 386.5 g CO2eq∙kg-1 for triticale. The highest average emissions were recorded for wheat at 115.0 g CO2eq∙kg-1, followed closely by rye at 113.8 g CO2eq∙kg-1, triticale at 108.7 g CO2eq∙kg-1, and maize at 81.8 g CO2eq∙kg-1. Primary sources of emissions included the fuel consumption of farming machinery, the production of fertilisers and pesticides, and soil emissions resulting from crop cultivation, which collectively accounted for 80-87% of total emissions, depending on the crop. The kind and amount of fertilisers used significantly influenced emissions. Furthermore, it was observed that lower crop yields were associated with elevated GHG emissions per unit of biomass produced.References
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