A new scientific publication developed within the framework of the CARINA project investigates how nitrogen fertilisation and tillage practices influence the productivity and environmental performance of camelina (Camelina sativa) as a feedstock for renewable fuel production.

The study, titled “Is camelina a low-input feedstock for biofuel production? Responses to nitrogen and tillage: from literature review to field data”, combines a review of existing research with a three-year field experiment carried out in northern Italy. The research evaluated the effects of different nitrogen application rates, sowing dates and tillage practices on camelina yield, oil production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The results showed that later sowing, minimum tillage and nitrogen application of at least 60 kg N/ha produced the highest seed and oil yields. However, the lowest carbon intensity was achieved without nitrogen fertilisation, regardless of whether minimum tillage or no tillage was applied. This outcome reflects the significant contribution of nitrogen fertiliser-related emissions to the overall greenhouse gas footprint of crop production.

The study highlights the importance of balancing productivity with environmental performance when developing sustainable biofuel feedstocks. The authors also identify future opportunities, including breeding for improved nitrogen-use efficiency, to further enhance camelina’s role in low-carbon agricultural systems.

The publication was authored by Sara Berzuini, Federica Zanetti, Rossella Mastroberardino, Maria Giovanna Sessa, Marisol T. Berti, Micah Gartenberg, and Andrea Monti.

Read the full publication here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2026.123875