In plant cultivation, pruning processes produce surplus material in quantities that need to be taken into account. As a matter of fact, according to the data of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the amount of vegetable residues obtained from horticultural fields in our country is over 4 million tons per year. However, municipalities are forced to transport large amounts of pruning residues from parks and garden areas every year. When pruning residues are not evaluated with appropriate methods, they cause many problems, especially greenhouse gas formation, environmental pollution and fire danger. Especially in recent years, there has been an increase in activities aimed at utilizing wastes and bringing them into the economy by ensuring environmental protection and integration with other relevant sectors in our country and around the world. Intensive studies are carried out in universities, public and private sector organizations to determine machine production, logistics and different usage areas to evaluate the woody pruning residues that appear in orchards, parks and landscape areas. In our country, the need for raw materials in heat, energy and industrial enterprises, especially biomass power plants, increases the interest in pruning residues.
In studies on the evaluation of residues with appropriate methods; Many factors such as material properties, machine selection, raw material prices, use of vehicles, fuel and electricity prices must be taken into account. When appropriate conditions are provided, it is possible to recycle the waste and bring them into the economy.
In recent years in our country, with the increase in awareness, many people and organizations in different sectors at different stages have gained important knowledge regarding the evaluation of plant residues and the supply chain. From this point of view, it is thought that it would be useful to share the experiences gained in utilizing pruning residues that have not yet been utilized at the desired level. In addition, in the Agricultural Technology and Mechanization Committee Final Report (Article: 17) organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Agricultural Reform in Ankara on 24-25 November 2022, a decision was taken to organize a workshop together with Akdeniz University and Ege University on the subject. The workshop planned to be held for the first time in our country; current situation, problems, solution suggestions, future studies, etc. It is expected to be a platform where issues are discussed, experiences are shared, and contribute to the evaluation of pruning residues and the establishment of the supply chain in our country.
The workshop will be held in Izmir on 30-31 May 2024, under the leadership of Akdeniz University and Ege University, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering Departments. The workshop program, which will include technical and cultural tours, along with presentations and free discussion environments, will be prepared according to the feedback from stakeholders.
