Title:
Sweet Sorghum Potentials as Biofuel Feedstock in Two European Growing Areas
Author(s):
Ruggeri, R., Rossini, F., Provenzano, M.E., Del Puglia, I.L.M.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. saccharatum) is arousing interest as bioenergy crop because of its versatility, relative drought tolerance, and ability to grow in environmental conditions not suitable for many other crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes potential as biofuel feedstock. The experiment was conducted in two growing areas in Europe also to determine the possibility of using the sweet sorghum in cropping systems at high northern latitudes which could be considered marginal areas for C4 plants. The research was performed in 2009 at Berlin, Germany, and in 2010 atViterbo, Italy. The biomass production, fermentable sugar content and ethanol yield potential of 6 sweet sorghum genotypes (Keller, M81E, Dale, Della, Bovital, Goliath) were compared. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates.The results suggest that sweet sorghum has good potential as alternative energy cropalso in Central European climates and that the further studies are required. However, lower European latitudes have been confirmed as the crop best growing conditions for high productions.
Keywords:
bioethanol, climatic conditions, sugar, sweet sorghum
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CO.12.2
Pages:
234 - 241
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1CO.12.2
Price:
FREE
