Crop Residues

Wood Energy Data

Field residues - Process residues

Crop production generates considerable amounts of residues that can be used as energy sourcew. Crop residues can be distinguished into field residues and process residues. Field residues are residues that are left in the field after harvesting. They are scattered over a wide area, and are generally used as fertilizer. Process residues are generated during crop processing, e.g. milling. They are available at a central location. Besides being as energy source, crop residues are used for several other purposes, such as fodder, raw manufacturing material. In some cases they are just burned as waste.

The tables below give estimates for the generation of residues per unit of production, in the form of so-called Residue-to-Product-Ratios (RPR). These estimates were compiled from different sources (see the paper: Agricultural and Forest Residues: Generation, Utilization and Availability for more information).

The RPR values should be used with care when assessing the resource potential for crop residues. Firstly, actual values will vary widely depending on local conditions, crop species and moisture content. Secondly, generated residues may not be available for energy purpose because they may be used for other purposes, or they are too far from potential users.

Field Residues

Crop	Residue	RPR	Moisture
			Content (%)
Rice	Straw	1.76	13
Wheat	Straw	1.75	15
Millet	Stalks	1.75	15
Maize	Stalks	2.00	15
Cassava	Stalks	0.062	15
Cotton	Stalks	2.755	12
Soybeans	Straw + pods	3.50	15
Jute	Stalks	2.00	15
Groundnut	Straw	2.3	15
Tobacco	Stalks, etc.	2.0	-
Sugar cane	Tops/leaves	0.30	10

Process Residues

Crop	Residue	RPR	Moisture
			Content (%)
Rice	Husks	0.27	12
Maize	Cob	0.27	7 - 8
Maize	Husks	0.2	11
Coconut	Shells	0.12	8 - 9
Coconut	Husks	0.42	10
Groundnut	Husks	0.48	8.2
Oil Palm	Fibre	0.15	40
Oil Palm	Shells	0.065	10
Oil Palm	Bunches	0.23	50
Sugar cane	Bagasse	0.29	49
Coffee	Husks	2.1	15

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