A decision support system for the selection of maize (Zea mays L.) silage hybrids in the northwest of Portugal (Published)
Maize (Zea mays L.) silage is of major importance to milk production in the agricultural system of the Entre-Douro e Minho, a province in the northwest of Portugal. Farmers typically have a variety of maize hybrids to choose from according to cycle length and planting date. The general rule is to use longer cycles for earlier planting dates and vice-versa. These decisions (planting date and maize cycle length) and the particular year’s temperature regime will determine harvesting date. Since weather is unknown at planting date, there is the need to establish decision support rules based on historic weather data to help farmers optimise silage production. Silage production optimisation means a better matching between three variables – planting date, hybrid maize cycle length and harvesting date -, in order to produce more quantity of higher quality silage. Others variables that also need to be considered in this problem, are the available days to perform all crop operations and the field working capacity of the farm machines available to do it. We have used data from a 3-year experiment involving 5 planting dates and 6 length cycles (FAO 200 to 700) in order to establish decision support rules. Those decision rules were than translated and incorporated into a simple and friendly-use graphical manner (abacus) in order to support farm extension services of the Entre-Douro e Minho region.
Keywords: Decision Support System, Portugal, Zea mays L, in northwest, selection of maize, silage hybrids
ASSESSMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN PORTUGAL POWER SYSTEMS (Published)
Increasing concerns about the changes Climate Security of supply is available to significantly investment in the exploitation of RES (renewable energy sources) to generate electricity, the possibility of reaching 100 % RES is debatable, but concerned. Storage costs and capabilities Backup is still valid, this paper focuses on renewable energy scenario for the electricity sector, the analysis of future strategy. In contrast It is possible for Portugal, one of these strategies, each person will tried with the expected amount of electricity and replacement parts with the objective analysis of the situation RES 100 % chance Energy PLAN tools to analyze the system . energy used for each simulation scenario RES 100 % for one year will find that it is possible in theory , but increased significantly with the total capacity of the system is required to . Make sure that there is a shortage in the summer result is significant overcapacity in the winter and a significant increase of the total cost of the system, importance. Interconnection is the stabilization and consolidation of storage systems has been discussed for high system dependent on renewable energy sources.
Keywords: Electricity system, Portugal, Renewable energy sources
Assessment of Renewable Energy in Portugal Power Systems (Review Completed - Accepted)
Increasing concerns about the changes Climate Security of supply is available to significantly investment in the exploitation of RES (renewable energy sources) to generate electricity, the possibility of reaching 100 % RES is debatable, but concerned. Storage costs and capabilities Backup is still valid, this paper focuses on renewable energy scenario for the electricity sector, the analysis of future strategy. In contrast It is possible for Portugal, one of these strategies, each person will tried with the expected amount of electricity and replacement parts with the objective analysis of the situation RES 100 % chance Energy PLAN tools to analyze the system . energy used for each simulation scenario RES 100 % for one year will find that it is possible in theory , but increased significantly with the total capacity of the system is required to . Make sure that there is a shortage in the summer result is significant overcapacity in the winter and a significant increase of the total cost of the system, importance. Interconnection is the stabilization and consolidation of storage systems has been discussed for high system dependent on renewable energy sources.
Keywords: Electricity system, Portugal, Renewable energy sources
