The Theoretical Basis of the Potential Survey of Vine Pruning Waste in the Tokaj-Hegyalja Region

Abstract

Local level sustainable energy production via the use of agricultural side products and waste can provide a good solution for present world energy crises. The aim of the examinations presented here is to estimate the amount of vine pruning waste suitable for energetical use in a traditional vine growing region of Hungary in Tokaj-Hegyalja. To reveal the significance of the field we have carried out a theoretical potential estimation on the base of internet data bases for the Tokaj-Hegyalja region first. To make our estimation more accurate we have carried out measurements on the amount of vine pruning waste produced annually in the region considering the local endowments and factors that determine the amount of vine pruning waste. Results of the measurements supported the hypothesis that there is a significantly larger amount of vine pruning waste produced in the studied area than the processing capacity. A further aim of this research is to call attention to local opportunities in reducing energy dependence and the importance of the use of agricultural side products and wastes in energy production.