Title:
Reduction of Biomass Losses in Mechanized Harvest of Perennial Grasses: A Shortcut to Increase the Competitiveness of Energy Crops
Author(s):
Zatta, A., Pritoni, G., Vecchi, A., Vecchi, S., Monti, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Experimental trials across Europe have confirmed the high yield potential of perennial lignocellulosic crops like miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and giant reed (Arundo donax), and therefore their great potential as bioenergy feedstock. However, the vast majority of information on productivity of these crops derives from plot experiments, while very little is know on the actual yields and biomass losses in a mechanized harvesting system. In the present article we reviewed some fieldscale studies on biomass loss in switchgrass, miscanthus and giant reed carried out at the University of Bologna over the last few years. The assessments were conducted in Bologna (Italy) in two contiguous 6year switchgrass and giant reed plants, and in a 3year miscanthus plant. Along with commercial machineries, a prototype that cut the stems in 3050 cm portions was tested. Crop potential yield was determined through hand harvested samples collected across the fields concurrently with mechanical harvest. Miscanthus, giant reed, and switchgrass exhibited potential yields of 29.3, 24.6, and 16.9 Mg ha1, respectively. Biomass losses during cutting and baling using common farm machines were considerable, averaging 30% and 21% in giant reed and switchgrass over a 5year period. Nonetheless, in the last two years we found that simple adjustments to the harvesting machines along with appropriate agronomic strategies allowed to reduce losses massively.
Keywords:
biomass, harvest, energy efficiency, biomass losses, baling
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops (session 1)
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
OB1.4
Pages:
52 - 54
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OB1.4
Price:
FREE
