ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

The research project on manure which will be completed at the end of 2018, aims to cover part of the gaps in knowledge and lack of data related with the use of manure in Cyprus. It focuses on the study of the physicochemical characteristics of manure of the main livestock species, and especially on the estimate of the rate and potential mineralisation of N in relation to the species of animal and the time of storage/composting of manure before its incorporation in the soil. It aims also to standardise and recommend a methodology for estimating the physical and biological properties of manure. Preliminary results showed that the duration of the net N immobilisation phase that usually occurs when manure is incorporated in soil is progressively shortened when the time of manure storage in a pile increases. ( P. Dalias ) AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Research in agricultural engineering examines the potential use of biomass for biofuel (biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and solid fuel) and energy production under Cyprus conditions. Moreover, a large number of relevant EU and RPF Research Projects are described in detail below. Application of renewable energy sources in agriculture Greenhouse horticulture and floriculture heavily depends on some form of energy source, since heating during winter is absolutely necessary to maintain production. Heating, however, contributes to a considerable increase in production costs. Therefore, alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, shallow geothermal, and biomass energy, should be considered. The work carried out examined the possibility of using biomass from agriculture and forestry as a renewable energy source. Alternatively, energy plants are investigated so as to select plants that could be used as potential energy sources for solid fuel production, without interfering with the food or feed chain. Biomass can be processed in briquettes, pellets or loose chips. ( P. Polycarpou ) Adaptation of agricultural production to climate change and limited water resources The European Life+ project ADAPT2CHANGE: “Adapt agricultural production to climate change and limited water supply LIFE 09 ENV/GR/000296” started in September 2010 and is active until 2016. The TEI Larissa in Greece is the lead partner and the ARI is the Partner for Cyprus. The project is funded by 50% by the EU and additionally involves the University of Athens, TEI Piraeus, and Europliroforisi S.A. The overall project objective 58 Natural Resources and Environment