Title:
Production and Biomass Quality of Giant Reeed (Arundo Donax L.) in Relation to Stem Cutting Propagation and Water Availability in the Semi-Arid Mediterranean Conditions
Author(s):
Copani, V., Cosentino, S.L., Scordia, D., Scalici, G.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
An experimental research was carried out during two years (2009-2011) in Sicily region (Southern Italy) to compare establishment of giant reed stem cuttings from basal (BS), median (MS) and apical (AS) part, in two soil water conditions: I1 (Irrigated, 100% ETm restoration from transplant to end of dry summer season, corresponding to 267.5 mm); I0 (Rainfed, irrigation only at the planting date, corresponding to 17.5 mm). Results of two subsequent years of experiments showed that propagation through stem cuttings can be considered successful. Cumulative stem density during the first year was equal to 1.7 stem m-2, without significant differences in relation to stem traits (between 1.7 and 2.1 stem m-2). In well watered soil conditions, sprouted stems was twice greater of those observed in rainfed conditions (2.3 against 1.0 stem m-2), moreover, yield difference was even wider (1.3 t ha-1 against 0.4 t ha-1, respectively). In the second growing cycle, no irrigation was made, however yield performance in rainfed condition was about 50% lower than irrigated one (8.0 t ha-1 against 15.1 t ha-1 respectively). Fiber quality was affected only by water availability: in the average of stem traits, rainfed condition increased both lignin (25% w/w) and cellulose (4 % w/w), while hemicellulose content was reduced of 15 % (w/w); ash content was not significantly affected by water treatment. The research pointed out that stem cuttings can be considered as successful option to establish giant reed; water supply during the first year influenced biomass quality, plant growth and yield; these two latter were affected also in the second growing cycle.
Keywords:
energy crops, arundo donax, yield, agamic propagation, water availability, mediterranean environment
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.45
Pages:
584 - 587
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1DV.2.45
Price:
FREE
