Title:
Potential Growth of Switchgrass "Panicum Virgatum" as Affected by Irrigation and N-Fertilization in Central Greece
Author(s):
Giannoulis, K.D., Danalatos, N.G.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The aim of the present paper was to assess the potential growth and biomass yield of the perennial energy crop Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as affected by irrigation and N-fertilization in its second year of establishment. For the purpose of the study, a factorial split plot field experiment in four blocks was established in Karditsa (west Thessaly) plain, central Greece, in which plant growth and crop productivity data were collected throughout the growing season of 2010. Switchgrass cultivation reached the amounts of 48 –58 t ha-1 fresh biomass and 21.2 – 26.5 t ha-1 dry biomass. Switchgrass' growth characteristics were LAImax = 8.5 and SLAmax = 15 m2/kg. The growth rates of the fresh biomass for d-1 the rainfed and the irrigated treatment from the emergence to the harvest period were 329 and 321 kg ha-1, -1 -1 respectively. During June, where the precipitation was defeasance, the above rates were 320 and 880 kg had, respectively. Finally, the growth rates of the dry biomass for the rainfed and the irrigated treatment from the emergence d-1 to the harvest period were 148 and 138 kg ha-1, respectively. Considering the appreciable growth rates and biomass yield of switchgrass under the low inputs required and the good prices of biomass for energy purposes, it can be concluded that switchgrass may be comprise an alternative energy crop in Greece in the immediate future.
Keywords:
biomass, fertilization, Greece, irrigation, switchgrass, yield
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.5
Pages:
483 - 486
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1DV.2.5
Price:
FREE
