Spatial Differentiation of Agricultural Biomass Potential in Polish Voivodeships

Abstract

The main aim of the article is to assess the potential of agricultural biomass and the possibility of its use for energy purposes in Polish voivodeships. Five sources of agricultural biomass were analyzed: straw, hay, waste wood from orchards, perennial energy crops, and natural fertilizers. For the purposes of the research, the theoretical and technical potential of agricultural biomass was estimated. The potential of agricultural biomass was estimated for Polish voivodeships based on the data of the 2020 Agricultural Census. The conducted research shows that Polish voivodeships have a significant theoretical potential for agricultural biomass. However, due to the fact that biomass is widely used in plant production (as a natural fertilizer) and animal production (as fodder or bedding), only about 40% of the identified theoretical potential can be used for energy purposes. The research also shows that the dominant source of agricultural biomass that can be used in Poland is straw from cereal crops. Moreover, a significant part of the identified potential is located in the western part of Poland (Wielkopolskie, Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Zachodniopomorskie voivodships) and partly in the east (Lubelskie voivodship). Although the possibility of using natural fertilizers for energy purposes has not been identified, the theoretical potential of which is very high, an increase in the importance of renewable energy from agricultural biogas plants should be expected in the near future. This is due to the changes taking place in the storage and management of natural fertilizers.