Biogeochemical modelling

In collaboration with the originator of the DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) model at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), we have incorporated the process-based biogeochemical model DNDC into environmental assessment to simulate biomass growth and carbon/nitrogen cycling in agro-ecosystems, and their implications on biorenewable system-wide performances [9, 10]. Particularly, in collaboration with UNH and Italian Agricultural Research Council (CREA), we have done joint research on the DNDC modification and applications to second-generation (2G) perennial bioenergy crops. We used poplar clones grown under different plantation management to validate the newly-modified DNDC model [11]. Several genotypes and genetically lignin-modified poplar grown under short/very short rotation coppiced regimes in different EU regions, and potential EU biofuel supply chains via different processing technologies were modelled, which provided valuable scientific insights, enabling on-going empirical work to be more efficiently focused on key performance-limiting steps[12]. 

Poster: Environmental viability of bioethanol derived from the poplar clone Imola