Production of Agri-Energy Crop Miscanthus gigantheus on Land Degraded by Power Industry: SWOT Analysis

Abstract

The hypothesis that land degraded by activities in the Kolubara Mining Basin may be restored by production of agri-energy crop Miscanthus gigantheus in ecologically and economically sustainable manner was investigated. The characteristics of the arable soil in the zone of influence of the thermal power plant Kolubara A, the overburden from the mine Kolubara and the ash from Kolubara A indicate limited fertility due to low contents of N and organic C, also contain heavy metals in concentrations between maximal allowable and remediation values (Ni, Cu, Zn), are slightly to moderately contaminated. Contents of heavy metals in aboveground biomass of miscanthus is low, making it suitable for use as biofuel. On the opposite side, in whole plants there are significant contents of Cr, Zn and Ni, mainly in underground organs, indicating phytostabilization potential. Main strength: the use of marginal land for the production of bioenergetic crops. Weaknesses: low yield. Opportunity: use of large marginal land areas with a simultaneous reduced risk of heavy metal transfer to the environment, improving yields with the use of more intensive agri-technical measures. Threats: the poorly developed biomass market as well as the lack of interest by land owners for its remediation.