Title:
The Potential of Swichgrass for Bioenergy Production in Comparision to Reed Canary Grass under Cool Temperate Climate Conditions
Author(s):
Norkevičienė, E., Butkutė, B., Lemežienė, N., Cesevičienė, J., Kemešytė, V.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The present research was aimed to compare the yield and chemical composition of alternative C4 energy plant switchgrass and native reed canary grass in the cool temperate climate of Europe. The results suggest that the dry matter yield of grasses depended on plant age and significantly differed between species. When the first cut had been taken at seed filling stage once per season the dry matter yield of switchgrass amounted to 242 – 493 g per plant from the 1st to the 3rd harvest year and when cut twice per season it decreased by 20% – 92% respectively. The dry matter yield of reed canary grass remained more stable. Switchgrass biomass accumulated on average more lignocellulose than reed canary grass at the respective stage. However, reed canary grass biomass had higher content of non-structural carbohydrates than switchgrass, which made the latter inferior to reed canary grass as a feedstock for biogas production. Comparison of ash concentration and mineral composition in switchgrass biomass cut at seed filling stage with that of reed canary grass showed switchgrass to be a more valuable energy crop for combustion with lower ash, K, N, S and Cl concentration.
Keywords:
bioenergy, biomass, panicum virgatum, chemical composition, dry matter
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.1.4
Pages:
127 - 134
ISBN:
978-88-89407-516
Paper DOI:
10.5071/23rdEUBCE2015-1CV.1.4
Price:
FREE
