Title:
Promising Perennial Grass Dedicated for Biomass Production in the Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment
Author(s):
Cosentino, S.L., Scordia, D., Testa, G., Copani, V.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Saccharum spontaneum L. spp. aegyptiacum (Wild.) Hack., was grown to test its potentiality in term of aboveground biomass yield comparing two years growing season (2009 and 2010) and two level of irrigation (rainfed, irrigated). Significant difference were observed for aboveground dry biomass yield and stem density (number of stems m2) in 2010, while no significant difference were shown for height, basal stem diameter, stems density (2009), weight of one stem and biomass partitioning (stems and leaves) in both years. The highest aboveground dry biomass yield was achieved in the irrigated treatments (42.9 t ha1), while the lowest in the rainfed 29.4 t ha1, both in 2010. The prospect of this species as new energy crops for biomass production is attractive based on its high biomass yield, its perennial growth and the fact that it is a nonfood crop able to grow well on marginal and nonagricultural lands. However, specific bottlenecks such as biology, crop physiology and agronomy are of extreme importance before a possible introduction of this novel perennial grass as dedicated crop for biomass production.
Keywords:
perennial energy crops, dry biomass yield, saccharum spontaneum
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops (session 5)
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.3.7
Pages:
561 - 564
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP1.3.7
Price:
FREE