Residues from cereal production for the Swedish biobased industry

Aim and goal

The aim of the project was to increase the use of available residues from cereal production, thus contributing to an increased proportion of domestic raw materials for the Swedish biobased industry. The aim was to develop improved knowledge of chemical composition and methane potential of cereal residual. To practically evaluate harvesting techniques under Swedish conditions and to improve the handling and storage of residues from harvesting and handling. In addition, we wanted increased knowledge of delivery security of straw linked to risks due to harvesting conditions and regional differences in delivery safety.

Challenge

The cereal residues are a great potential, but there is limited knowledge of how variations between species and varieties affect the processing. By utilizing besides straw also chaff, yield increase but there may be a problem during storage due to high moisture content that can cause dust and hygiene problems. Grain harvest and the subsequent establishment of  the next crop is a very intense and difficult period to plan, with occasional difficult weather conditions. Therefore, it is important to investigate the straw supply potential in the most important cultivation areas of Sweden.

Solution

Through improvements in the supply chain that affect cost-effectiveness, the project's goal was to increase the use of available residues from cereal production

Effect

As a result, the project contributes to an increased proportion of domestic raw materials to the Swedish biobased industry.