Title:
Perennial Versus Annual Energy Crops: Solar Radiation Interception and Use Efficiency of Miscantus and Fiber Sorghum
Author(s):
Ceotto, E., Di Candilo, M.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The scope of this study was to assess whether the higher productivity of Miscanthus (perennial rhizomatous crop) compared to fiber sorghum (annual crop) can be attributed to a more efficient solar radiation capture by the green foliage, by higher radiation conversion efficiency into useful biomass, or by a combination of the two factors. Our observations indicate that miscanthus has the advantage of developing an early canopy cover compared to fiber sorghum. This implies a more effective capture of the incoming solar radiation during the spring and the early summer. The two species have a quite similar efficiency in converting the intercepted photosinthetically active radiation into harvestable biomass (RUE). Among the undeniable environmental benefits exerted by perennial energy crops there is definitely a better exploit of the incoming solar radiation.
Keywords:
ecology, efficiency, miscanthus, sorghum bicolor L. Moench
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.41
Pages:
578 - 580
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1DV.2.41
Price:
FREE
