Use of Straw as Energy Source in View of Organic Matter Balance in Family Farms

The paper presents possibilities of using straw as an energy source with reference to the organic matter balance. We carried out the survey in 30 family farms by means of calculation of the amount of the produced straw and its management trends. We determined that 7 farms were selling all produced straw for energy purposes and in the remaining ones, straw was used in animal production or ploughing up. In farms, which were selling straw for energy purposes, a negative organic matter balance was reported. Ploughing up of straw would allow obtaining a positive value of the OMB [Organic Matter Balance] in 5 out of 7 farms. The calculations enabled us to state that designation of straw for energy purposes in farms, which use it in agricultural production or ploughing up, would cause reduction of organic matter balance to negative values in majority of these farms. Therefore, straw may be designated for energy purposes only in these farms, where the organic matter balance (without straw) is at a satisfactory level or after-crops designed for ploughing up are cultivated. Statistical analysis proved that despite an additional income from selling straw, both the final production and standard gross margin do not differ significantly from those obtained in farms which use straw in agricultural production.