copyrightScholz, VolkhardKrüger, KarenHöhn, Axel2024-05-222024-05-222001https://hohpublica.uni-hohenheim.de/handle/123456789/10447In the foreseeable future, energy plants could become an integral part of the energy mix in Germany. However, this requires that these plants are produced in an environmentally friendly way and that the energy yield justifies the input. The present contribution describes results concerning the cultivation of 10 energy plant species suitable for combustion. Over a period of 6 years, yield, energy gain, and environmentally relevant sub- stances in the plant and the soil were determined under practical condi- tions. Fertilization was carried out in 4 variants each ranging from 0 to 150 kg N/ha and with wood and straw ashes, as well as basic mineral fertilizer. Plant protection products were entirely dispensed with. The re- sults show that, except for topinambur haulm and wood with undersown crops, the mean yield ranges between 8 and 12 t DM /ha and that a reduc- tion of nitrogen application from 150 to 75 kg N/ha causes only slight yield losses. Without fertilization, yields diminish by 20 to 40 % after 6 years, except for poplars (without undersown crops), which with ap- proximately 10 t DM /ha reach a similarly high yield level as with fertiliza- tion. The contents of the emission- and combustion-relevant plant nutri- ents, such as nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, and chlorine, are significantly lower in poplars and willows than in grass, rye, triticale and hemp. The input of heavy metals, such as cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead, which is caused by fertilizers and energy-related input, is absorbed differently with trees making a particular contribution towards the decontamination of the soil. Hemp, poplars, and winter rye allow high energy yields to be achieved. Even if nitrogen fertilization is reduced (in the case of poplars even at zero fertilization), net energy gains of more than 3,200 liters of oil equivalent per hectare and per year are reached.application/pdfengArticle