Title:
Varietal Response of Elytrigia Elongata under Semiarid Conditions in Spain: Establishment
Author(s):
Ciria, P., Ciria, C.S., Maletta, E., Pérez, J., Barro, R., Carrasco, J.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
This study is part of an extensive network with C3 and C4 perennial energy crops which is being currently conducted in Spain to develop sustainable alternatives to rain-fed agriculture in marginal lands of the Mediterranean. The aim of this study is to assess the establishment of three varieties of hardy perennial grass species Tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata cultivars “Alkar” from the USA, “Bamar” from Poland, and “Szarvasi-1” from Hungary). All tests plots were established in Spain under semiarid conditions during autumn 2013. Aboveground productivity was compared with Wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Plethore), a traditional cereal crop in the region. The selected site was characterized by a poor sandy soil, with 0.54 % organic matter and annual mono-cropping systems without rotations with perennials. Yields, number of plants per m2, height, leaf area index, and chlorophyll-a index were measured in each cultivar. Moreover, the biomass collected after harvest was characterized to evaluate its combustion quality. Highest biomass yield was obtained with the Szarvasi-1 cultivar (6.6 t DM ha-1), which doubled the one obtained with the Bamar, and triplicated Alkar, indicating, from a preliminary point of view, a better adaptation of this variety to the edafoclimatic conditions of the experimental area.
Keywords:
biomass, perennial energy crops, cultivar, wheat grass
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.1.8
Pages:
139 - 146
ISBN:
978-88-89407-516
Paper DOI:
10.5071/23rdEUBCE2015-1CV.1.8
Price:
FREE
