Title:
Influence of Crop Management on Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus X Giganteus Greef Et Deuter) Productivity as Energy Crops in a Mediterranean Environment
Author(s):
Nassi o di Nasso, N., Lasorella, M.V., Roncucci, N., Taccini, F., Tozzini, C., Ragaglini, G., Bonari, E.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Biomass has attracted attention as a promising mean to develop local, sustainable energy sources and other biobased products. Here we focus on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), two perennial rhizomatous grasses (PRGs). In order to favour the development of a sustainable biomass chain and to understand how biomass yield varies depending on crop management, two experiments were established in 2010, in Central Italy: (i) Experiment 1 compared miscanthus and switchgrass in two different soil types, under three fertilization rates and two harvest times; (ii) Experiment 2 compared miscanthus and switchgrass under two irrigation levels, and under three nitrogen fertilization rates and two harvest times. Both crops showed a significant positive response to soil type, irrigation, nitrogen fertilization and date of harvest. Switchgrass yield resulted not to be influenced by the soil type, while miscanthus yield did. Moreover, for both the species dry yield responded positively to fertilization, although regardless of the dose of fertilizer. In conclusion, our results showed a good adaptability of these species in the Mediterranean environment; however it remains necessary to analyze their responses in long-term perspective.
Keywords:
fertilization, irrigation, miscanthus, perennial energy crops, switchgrass
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.13
Pages:
511 - 514
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1DV.2.13
Price:
FREE
