Comparing the Biomass Yield and Biogas Potential of Phragmites australis with Miscanthus x giganteus and Panicum virgatum Grown in Canada

Abstract

The production of bioenergy from plant biomass has the potential to reduce fossil fuel use. The number of biogas facilities around the world has risen dramatically, increasing demand for feedstocks. In this study the invasive perennial grass Phragmites australis was evaluated as a biogas feedstock in comparison with Miscanthus x giganteus and Panicum virgatum. Results from three field sites for each species demonstrated that biomass yields for P. australis averaged approximately 1.82 ± 0.9 kg dry matter (DM) m −2 , comparable to that of M. x giganteus. Yield of P. australis was greater than P. virgatum, which ranged from 0.49 ± 0.06 to 0.69 ± 0.07 kg DM m −2 in July and October, respectively. In mesophilic bench-top digester experiments, methane yields were greater for July-harvested material than for October, ranging from 172.4 ± 15.3 to 229.8 ± 15.2 L CH 4 kg −1 volatile solids (VS) for all perennial grasses. Methane yields per hectare were highest for October-harvested M. x giganteus, followed by July-harvested M. x giganteus and P. australis, whereas methane yield from P. virgatum at both harvest times was lower than the other two species. These results suggest that P. australis is not an economically viable biogas feedstock without pre-treatment to improve methane yield.Although dozens of grass species have been screened for suitability in different climates around the world, three perennial grasses have been the focus of research in North America: Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) [5,6], Miscanthus spp. (miscanthus) [7] and Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) [8]. However, other perennial grass species merit consideration as feedstocks for anaerobic digestion in North America as well.Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex. Steud. (common reed) is an invasive perennial grass species in North America which is frequently found in the Great Lakes region, including more than 24,600 hectares of monocultural stands mapped along the American side of the Lakes alone [9]. This species has traditionally been harvested for use in thatched roofs and biomaterials in Eastern Europe and Africa, having an estimated market value of approximately $US45,000 ha −1 in Botswana [10]. In North America, P. australis is not utilized as a commodity, and it is the focus of control and eradication efforts, due to its negative ecological impact, particularly in wetlands. Current eradication strategies in Ontario often consist of (1) glyphosate application, followed by (2) mechanically rolling dead biomass, and (3) culminating with prescribed burning. While effective, this strategy is expensive, time consuming, and not applicable to stands occurring in standing water. Harvesting P. australis biomass for use as a feedstock in anaerobic digestion could potentially assist with eradication efforts by providing a monetary incentive for biomass removal. Further, removal of nutrients (e.g., N, P, K) contained in P. australis biomass from wetland areas experiencing eutrophication pressure from excessive nutrient runoff would be beneficial for eco...

Marginal Lands to Grow Novel Bio-Based Crops: A Plant Breeding Perspective

“…The duration and timing of crop growth affects biomass yield by determining both the total amount of solar radiation that can be captured during crop growth, and the duration of vegetative growth prior to switching to the reproductive cycle, which typically terminates the synthesis of vegetative tissues (Fernandez et al, 2009;Jones et al, 2015). To maximize biomass yield, an ideal crop should thus display a long growing season, fully develop the canopy by the time solar radiation reaches Atienza et al, 2002Atienza et al, , 2003aKim et al, 2012;Ma et al, 2012;Swaminathan et al, 2012;Gabrielle et al, 2014;Liu et al, , 2016Gifford et al, 2015;van der Weijde, 2016, van der Weijde et al, 2017bXue et al, 2016;Baute et al, 2018 Switchgrass ( Casler et al, 2011;Gabrielle et al, 2014;Dong et al, 2015;Lowry et al, 2015;O Di Nasso et al, 2015;Serba et al, 2015;Bartley et al, 2016;Bahri et al, 2018;Baute et al, 2018;Tornqvist et al, 2018 Giant reed (Arundo donax)…”

“…Herbaceous 10-18 N.A. Hansson and Fredriksson, 2004;Baute et al, 2018 Spanish broom (Spartium junceum L.)…”

Italian Biogas Plants: Trend, Subsidies, Cost, Biogas Composition and Engine Emissions

“…(a) Potential and role of biogas in rural development (see, e.g., [13][14][15]) or in developed countries (see, e.g., [16][17][18][19][20][21]). (b) Analysis and optimization of biogas feeding composition, carbon-nitrogen ratios and methane production during anaerobic digestion or co-digestion of different kinds of substrates (see, e.g., [22][23][24][25][26]).…”

Methane Yield Potential of Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deuter)) Established under Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…A wide range of miscanthus genotypes have been screened for different marginality factors such as salinity [6] and erosion [7]. Miscanthus biomass has quality characteristics that allow it to be used to manifold ways: as a combustion fuel, [8][9][10], bioethanol [11][12][13], bedding material [10,14,15], building material [16][17][18][19][20] and in biogas production [21,22]. For example, low inorganic constituents and high lignin content is preferred for combustion [23], whereas low lignin is required for efficient biogas [24] as well as ethanol production [25].…”