Harvesting the sun's energy using agro-ecosystems

In this report, methods are developed to estimate yield potentials of biomass crops in various regions within the European Union (EU-12). Different production levels are considered; firstly, the potential production level that can be realized when the crop is optimally supplied with water and nutrients and free from pests, diseases and weeds. Secondly, the so-called water-limited production level is recognized. In the water-limited situation, nutrients are in optimal supply and the crop is free of pests, diseases and weeds, but yield is limited by the availability of water