A territorial model for the energy analysis of oil seed crops used as biofuel feedstocks

The aim of this paper is to analyze the territorial distribution of the energy balances of sunflower and rapeseed on a small scale level, in the contest of biofuel short production chain development. The territorial variability is determined by soil information regarding nutrients availability and resistance to soil tillage implements. Energy analysis is expressed through net energy gain and energy ratio throughout the territory of two provinces where the field trials were performed. Results are distinguished for the two provinces where the field trials were located and for the two different energy input techniques (normal input and low input) used during the field trials and which differ for tillage, fertilization and herbicide application. The territorial model implements actual field trial data and is a powerful tool for locating the energy balance results on the territory under exam. Thematic maps represent the output of a territorial model in a Geographical Information System and they show the energy balance variability over different oil seed supply basins for hypothetical processing plants. The energy balances differ for soil tillage energy requirements according to the soil pattern as reported in the pedology map.