Energiforsk (Sweden)

The industrial production of conifer seedlings in nurseries uses large amounts of fertilizers to ensure their proper growth and accurate nutrient status. However, inorganic nitrogen fertilization leads to nitrate leaching, which has negative environmental consequences. An alternative solution could be the use of controlled-release fertilizers that supply nutrients over longer periods and hence have a lower environmental impact. This study analysed the performance of a novel arginine-iron-hexametaphosphate complex on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings. The complex was characterized using a wide range of analytical tools, indicating that it is a precipitated complex rather than a crystalline compound. Plant growth on arginine-iron-hexametaphosphate was comparable to a commercial inorganic nitrogen controlled-release fertilizer but with significantly lower nitrate leaching. A nitrogen budget of seedlings and growth substrate showed that seedlings had acquired nitrogen in excess of the amount of nitrogen present at the start of the experiment, and this excess nitrogen was smaller in seedlings grown on the inorganic fertilizer. Measurements of acetylene reduction in seedlings indicated low but measurable rates of nitrogen fixation, potentially contributing to the excess nitrogen. Together, the results showed that the arginine-iron-hexametaphosphate complex is a good alternative to commonly used fertilizers and can contribute to sustainable seedling production.

The decarbonization of EU energy system is under way, but manufacturing industry is still using approximately 25% of the EU total final energy use. To maintain long-term competitiveness while contributing to the EU goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, manufacturing industry needs to improve energy efficiency in a cost-effective way. One important way to achieve this is through energy audits. The Energy Efficiency Directive promotes member states’ development of energy efficiency programs to encourage industry to undergo energy audits. Previous studies have reviewed industrial energy efficiency policy program evaluations and argued that there is no harmonized way to conduct them. This leads to difficulties in: i) comparing energy efficiency and cost saving potentials throughout different programs, and ii) providing necessary information that supports the improvement of the policy program. Therefore, we argue that a harmonized methodology for industrial energy efficiency policy program evaluation is of great importance, and, we have developed a set of five-steps guidelines that lay the foundation for an ex-ante energy efficiency policy program evaluation methodology. The guidelines are to be be conducted during the lifetime of the program, in five steps, as follows: (s1) define key issues, (s2) set the objectives for each key issue, (s3) identify the options for each key issue, (s4) analyze options from an energy and environmental perspective, and (s5) compare options and select the recommended one. Our proposed methodology will support policymakers and evaluators answer questions such as: i) how can the objectives of the policy program be achieved? ii) is there any need to change the policy program? Furthermore, a comparison in terms of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of all major policy options developed, including the status quo option is proposed in the methodology. This paper can be seen an important step towards the goal of creating a harmonized policy evaluation methodology.

Dynamic double-exposure holographic interferometry and sandwich holography were applied to the measurement of surface displacements resulting from the detonation of an explosive charge on the surface of rock models. A 10 J state-of-the-art ruby laser was used to illuminate three different rock models that were 0.75 m on a side and 0.4 m deep. In one model, a simulated tunnel was made by coring the rock specimen in a subsurface plane that was parallel to the face of the block. Another model involved the transmission and alteration of surface waves as they encountered a step change in the surface elevation. The remaining specimen consisted of an epoxy wedge overlying the rock base. As the wave system passed into the epoxy layer of this last specimen, new waves were generated that produced dramatically increased displacements and particle velocities on the surface of the epoxy layer. These interferometric patterns were so complex that it was necessary to utilize sandwich holography to determine the wave types and the signs of the displacements.

Welin, E., Christiansson, K., and Nilsson, Ö.: Rb‐Sr age dating of intrusive rocks of the Haparanda suite. Geologiska Föreningens i Stockholm Förhandlingar. Vol. 92, pp. 336–346. Stockholm, September 30, 1970. The infracrustal rocks of the Haparanda suite range in composition from gabbro to granodiorite and are considered to be synkinematic intrusions into the folded Svecofennian‐Karelian supracrustals. Rb‐Sr investigations on eight whole rock samples and five minerals indicate an isochron age of 1880 m. y. and an initial Sr87/Sr86 ratio of 0.706. This ratio implies that the analyzed intrusive rocks were not derived by melting of ancient sialic crust. Two biotites included in the calculation fit the isochron within the limits of error and indicate that a subsequent addition or subtraction of Rb or Sr in the rocks has not taken place due to later metamorphism or weathering.