• Energy Research

Relations concernant la biomasse aérienne pour le hêtre (Fagus moesiaca Cz.), dans le massif du Vermio au nord de la Grèce, et équations génériques pour Fagus sp. Dans l'article suivant sont présentées des équations allométriques décrivant les relations taille-forme pour une espèce particulière de hêtre, Fagus moesiaca (Cz.), dans le massif du Vermio, au nord de la Grèce. Le diamètre à hauteur de poitrine explique en grande partie la variabilité des variables indépendantes (biomasse aérienne totale, biomasse des tiges, biomasse des branches), tandis que la hauteur de l'arbre est la deuxième variable indépendante la plus importante lors de l'estimation de la masse du feuillage. Les équations développées aux états-Unis et en Europe pour les différentes espèces de hêtre (Fagus spp.) sont également présentées. Leur validation, obtenue avec les données recueillies sur le terrain, indique que les régressions américaines prédisent de manière précise la biomasse totale de l'arbre dans la forêt étudiée. En outre, les données de terrain ont été utilisées pour tester un modèle théorique récent, ce qui a permis de mettre en évidence de larges variations entre les valeurs théoriques et empiriques. Finalement, des équations génériques concernant Fagus spp. ont été développées à partir de ces données et de plusieurs autres équations publiées. La validation de ces équations génériques indique que des prédictions précises peuvent être obtenues quand les régressions sont appliquées à une large échelle géographique. Allometric equations describing tree size-shape relationships for beech (Fagus moesiaca Cz.) in the Vermio Mountains of Northern Greece are presented. Diameter at breast height explained most of the variability in the dependent variables (total aboveground, stem, and branch biomass), while tree height was the second most important regressor in estimating foliage mass. Equations developed in USA and Europe for Fagus spp. were also reported and validation with the field data indicated that the American regressions closely predicted total tree biomass for the study forest. In addition, the raw data were used to test a recent theoretical model and large deviations were found between theoretical and empirical values. Finally, generalised equations for Fagus spp. were developed based on these data and several other published equations. Validation of the generalised equations indicated that accurate predictions may be obtained when these regressions are applied over a broad geographical area.

Based on allometric relationships and information provided in forest management plans, we determined aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) for a 10-year period in a Mediterranean beech forest (Fagus moesiaca Cz.) extending across an elevation gradient. The ANPP ranged from 1.87 to 15.71 Mg ha(-1) year(-1), and leaf area index (L*) ranged from 2.3 to 3.6. Although small trees (diameter at breast height < 10 cm) were not sampled, it was unlikely that this accounted for the low L* because there were very few small trees on a per-hectare basis. A weak positive relationship was found between ANPP and L*, and only ANPP was negatively related to elevation. Although L* did not vary with elevation, biomass growth efficiency (ANPP/L*) declined strongly with elevation. Leaf carbon isotope composition, leaf nitrogen content per unit area and specific leaf area of leaves collected from nine trees across an elevation gradient all varied significantly with elevation and were significantly related to one other, suggesting that water limitations at higher elevations may have driven the reduced growth efficiency at the stand level. Strong winds may also have negatively affected ANPP at higher elevations by altering belowground allocation. Further research is needed to test these hypotheses and to determine the belowground dynamics of phytomass in this ecosystem.

The increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), including biodegradable plant residues such as pruning, leaf, and kitchen wastes, presents a substantial environmental challenge due to the limited availability of landfill space and the resulting environmental contamination. Sustainable waste management practices, encompassing recycling and waste-to-energy conversion through biological or thermochemical processes, are imperative. In the Municipality of Athens, Greece, significant quantities of green waste generated from public and private gardening activities provide a valuable opportunity for energy recovery and landfill waste reduction. In accordance with Directive 2008/98/EC, Athens emphasizes waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery. This study examined alternative bio-waste and green waste management systems, using examples from Europe, focusing on the Athens Directorate of Urban Green Spaces and Urban Wildlife. This paper discusses methods for assessing the energy value of pruning residues, providing a definitive disposal framework. Additionally, it presents a technoeconomic study of one of the municipal swimming pools in the Municipality of Athens, investigating the production and distribution of thermal energy to meet the heating needs of the pool facilities. This research identified key constraints and their impact on decision-making, highlighting the potential for alternative green waste management strategies. It advocates modern recycling techniques in line with national and community legislation, which have significant environmental and economic benefits.