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such as the analysis of variance (ANOVA), are constructed the values of a pellet type and the standard requirements is
to compare different data distributions among others and not statistically significant.
one distribution and a constant, as it is in the case of pellet We applied this method to investigate the effects of different
quality standard. species and stem age on the quality of pellet produced from
Hence, typically in scientific papers addressing pellet quality, broadleaved species typical of the Central and Southern
there exists either a non-statistical comparison between the Italy forestry context, namely Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.),
average values of the examined pellets and the standard European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), poplar (Populus nigra
value, or a statistical comparison among the data of various L. x Populus x Generosa A.Henry–Populus x Euroamericana
pellet types. Moench.)) and eucalyptus (clone Eucalyptus camaldulensis
In both cases, however, the differences between the x C. bicostata), in an attempt to shed light on the potential
investigated pellet values and the values reported by the combinations of species and management system, in terms
standard are not analysed through an inferential statistic of stem age, that can lead to the satisfaction of the quality
approach. standards for A1 class, according EN ISO 17225, concerning
bulk density, lower heating value, and ash content.
Aim & Pellet Types We considered four species largely present in Central and
In this study, we tried to address the above-mentioned issues Southern Italy. For each species, we focused on different
by proposing an alternative statistical approach to evaluate management regimes (except for turkey oak) characterised
the quality of pellets. by different stem age at harvesting. As a result, we obtained
Our aim was to develop an approach for evaluating ten pellet types. The investigated pellet types are reported
pellet quality that elucidates whether the difference between as the following table:
