Camelina sativa a non-food energy crop: agronomic and enviromental performances in Lombardia (Italy)

Agronomic and environmental performances of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz were investigated in Italian Lombardia region. Camelina showed promising field performances, with an overall mean grain yield of about 1.5 t ha-1. Sowing time significantly affect the grain yield, with better performances during the autumn plantation. No significant difference was found in grain yield among the tested varieties. LCA showed an environmental advantage of camelina oil production both in terms of reduced life cycle global warming potential and low cumulative energy demand, if rapeseed oil was assumed as a reference. In general, our results suggested that camelina is a sustainable plant for biofuel production, but yield improvement are absolutely required to attain a real environmental benefit in comparison to fossil fuels.