PRODUCTION OF SOLID BIO-FUEL FROM CYNARA. CARDUNCULUS (WILD ARTICHOKE) CULTIVATION

摘要

The present invention concerns the production of solid biofuel (pellets, briquettes, etc) made from biomass that has, been produced in organized cultivation of the weed Cynara cardunculus, and its utilization instead of oil for heat production on a domestic or industrial use or for electricity production. The shifting conventional cropping systems to cynara cultivation will multiply the farmers profit and will open new horizons for the development of Greek rural areas also with the respective creation of many new jobs. Additionally, the produced biofuel will be much cheaper than oil or gas for heating, and its use will reduce the dependence from international energy monopolies and the exporting of precious exchange. Apart from the economic advantages, the present invention has direct positive effects on the environment with respect to the greenhouse effect, controlling the pollution with nitrates and agrochemicals, saving large amounts of irrigation water, eliminating soil erosion and land desertification and improving of soil fertility and other chemical and physical characteristics.