Analysis of the Influence of the Training System and Cultivar on the Energy and Emission Properties of Grapevine Leaves (Vitis vinifera L.)

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the energy potential and to characterize the emission profile of burning grapevine leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) depending on the cultivar (Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Zweigelt) and the training system used (Cordon and Guyot). The analysis included higher and lower heating value, proximate and ultimate analysis, emission factors for gases and dust, and the determination of stoichiometric parameters of the combustion process. The analyses showed that grapevine leaves exhibited significant differences between the studied cultivars, training systems, and the interaction between cultivar and canopy architecture. A statistically significant effect of cultivar on all studied energy and emission parameters was found. The training system significantly differentiated, among other things, LHV, ash content, and emissions of SO2 and dust. The results confirm that grapevine leaves constitute a valuable raw material for the circular economy with the potential of LHV 84.78 GJ·ha−1 and HHV 93.69 GJ·ha−1. The Merlot cultivar exhibited the highest lower heating value, ranging from 15.33 MJ·kg−1 (Cordon system) to 15.68 MJ·kg−1 (Guyot system) among the tested variants. The complex interactions between cultivar and cultivation system indicate the need for an individualized approach to assessing the potential of waste biomass in wine-growing regions.