Paper details

Title:

Impact of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Applications of Three Bioenergy C4 Crops on Biomass Production and Nutrient Balance

Author(s):

Siri Prieto, G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Arundo donax L. (Arundo D.) Pennisetum purpureum (Elephant G.), and Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) are three perennial C4 crops which have been received particular attention during the last years as bioenergy crops. The experiment located in Uruguay, were established in 2007 to determine biomass production and nutrient balance on these three energy crops. A combination of four treatments of N and P (0 or 100 kg ha­1) were applied annually. Elephant G. yielded significantly more biomass than Arundo D. and Switchgrass in all years. There was response to N (100 kg ha­1) in 2009, especially in Elephant G. (>42% compared to without N). On the other hand, there was not response to P applications for any C4 crops for any years. Calculations of major nutrient flows have shown that the N and P balance were positive with N and P applications; however, the P, N and K balance without N­P applications were negative. Potassium removal was greater under Elephant G. (­1227 kg ha­1) largely due to greater K concentrations and biomass production. Understanding the component of biomass that will be removed and have to be replaced and changes in soil nutrients, should be very important for the long­term success of the bioenergy system.

Keywords:

biomass, fertilization, bioenergy crops, nutrient balance

Topic:

Biomass Resources

Subtopic:

Energy crops (session 5)

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

VP1.3.4

Pages:

548 - 551

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP1.3.4

Price:

FREE