[en] This paper has compared two types (Indian and Chinese) of biogas producing facilities designed and built in Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria. Available local input for the plants are identified and the isolations of the resultant output (products) and their economic viabilities are emphasized. The importance and the uses of the secondary products are highlighted. Ways of maintaining the PH in the digester for optimum gas yield are reported. The difficulties encountered in on the site operation of the two models are stated. On the whole the Chinese model is considered most responsive to the environmental conditions of the study location. (author). 11 refs, 2 figs

[en] The monograph reviews the state of energy research and suggest direction for future research with information required to shape the energy strategies. The monograph covers the following topics: research and development in alternative energy sources; biomass energy development, biomass energy technology ; biomethanation process; biomass as a fuel and health risks associated with it. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately. (original)

No abstract available

No abstract available

[en] Published in summary form only

[en] Problems arising from the airborne gamma ray measurement of snow water equivalent over a forest covered deep snowpack are examined. The principal sources of error are believed to be due to the radioactivity in the biomass and to variability in the snow cover. A theoretical model is developed to correct the airborne measurements for these sources of error. The application of the theory to data collected over the St. John River Basin, located in the eastern part of Canada and the United States, is found to significantly improve the airborne results

[en] The question of alternative fuels is discussed particularly with reference to the situation prevailing in Brazil from a supply side perspective taking into consideration the economic aspects. Energy policy in respect of transport fuels is discussed in the context of the overall problem of transport. (M.G.B.)

[en] Over the last twelve years the Department of Energy has funded research into energy forestry. Its aim is to develop appropriate management systems for growing and harvesting forest biomass for energy on short rotation. Species selection, yields, use of herbicides and fertilizers, nutrient removals, harvesting, management structure and environmental impact are all being considered. Studies on the potential for energy forestry have indicated that at least 800,000 hectares of land in the UK might be available for growing forest energy plantations. A series of trial plantations have been established to determine biomass production, economics and logistics of short rotation forestry through coppice and single stem management systems. Whilst it has been demonstrated that it is technically possible to establish single stem plantation on each of the site types tested, it is only on marginal agriculture land that cost effective systems can be operated. (author)

[en] Information on the relationship between biomass production, radiation use and water use of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is essential to estimate biomass production in different water regimes. Experiments were conducted during three post-rainy seasons on a Vertisol (a typic pallustert) to study the effect of water deficits on radiation use, radiation use efficiency (RUE), transpiration and transpiration efficiency (TE) of chickpea. Different levels of soil water availability were created, either by having irrigated and non-irrigated plots or using a line source. Biomass production was linearly related to both cumulative intercepted solar radiation and transpiration in both well watered and water deficit treatments. Soil water availability did not affect RUE (total dry matter produced per unit of solar radiation interception) when at least 30% of extractable soil water (ESW) was present in the rooting zone, but below 30% ESW, RUE decreased linearly with the decrease in soil water content. RUE was also significantly correlated (R² = 0.61, P < 0.01) with the ratio of actual to potential transpiration (T/Tp) and it declined curvilinearly with the decrease in T/Tp. TE decreased with the increase in saturation deficit (SD) of air. Normalization of TE with SD gave a conservative value of 4.8 g kPa kg⁻¹. To estimate biomass production of chickpea in different environments, we need to account for the effect of plant water deficits on RUE in a radiation-based model and the effect of SD on TE in a transpiration-based model. (author)

[en] The absence of reliable and in-depth information on the impact of improved cook-stove has required stove project managers, governments and donors to rely on unverified and anecdotal data for designing and implementing stove programmes. This survey was designed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of world-wide stove activities. The report was a compilation of seven stove surveys carried out from Burkina Faso, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya and Niger. The report has indicated the benefits of using improved cook stoves that includes, conserving energy, reduction of indoor air pollution, improves household health, foster greater gender equality and stimulation of small-scale enterprise development