Suitability of Wild Phragmites australis as Bio-Resource: Tissue Quality and Morphology of Populations from Three Continents

Abstract

We collected and analyzed morphological characteristics and tissue nutrient concentrations of common reed (Phragmites australis) populations from Denmark, USA, and China, harvested late summer at the peak of the biomass production. The aim was to estimate the suitability of the biomass for different bioenergy purposes. The potential of reed as bioenergy feedstock is increasingly recognized, as the species already is utilized for construction, water purification, and pulp production. Our morphological data showed that biomass yield can be allometrically predicted to be high, especially in the reed populations of the US. However, no consistent pattern according to geographical origin was detected, and especially tissue nutrient concentrations varied within and between populations. Some mineral concentrations were above the desirable threshold for biocombustion, such as nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S). Iron (Fe) was higher than the critical toxicity concentration in many populations and hence, negatively correlated with morphological and growth traits. A different harvest time is likely to result in lower ion concentrations. Some populations had low C to N ratios, which are suitable for biomethane production, while the relatively low ash content of all populations (ranging from 3.9% to 8.5%) suggested a high heating value and theoretical energy potential. Reed biomass production is a promising alternative to fossil fuels and potentially suitable for other bio-based product. Improved knowledge is needed to examine local needs and application possibilities for reed biomass.

Wild Halophytic Phragmites karka Biomass Saccharification by Bacterial Enzyme Cocktail

“…Another perennial grass, D. bipinnata , is composed of 26.67% cellulose, 24.68% hemicellulose, 12.87% ash, and 6.67% lignin ( Shah et al, 2017 ; Munir et al, 2020 ), is considered as sacred in India, and has been extensively studied for the isolation of medicinally important compounds and for pharmacological properties ( Guntur et al, 2018 ). P. karka is reported as the herbaceous woody culms that range from 4 to 10 m in length and 15–25 mm in diameter and is composed of 26% cellulose, 29% hemicellulose, and 10.33% lignin ( Munir et al, 2020 ) and 3.9–8.5% ash ( Eller et al, 2020 ). Moreover, it can tolerate high ranges of salinity and flooding stress with enhanced growth rates ( Shoukat et al, 2020 ).…”

Detection of reed using cnn method and analysis of the dry reed (phragmites australis) for a sustainable lake area

“…The reed roots extend up to approximately 95 cm in the soil, where the water and nutrient requirements are ensured, and the extensive network of rhizomes ensures the storage of substances in the cold season and the asexual growth of the plant even if the above-ground stems are cut [ 28 – 30 ].…”

Ecophysiological responses of Phragmites australis populations to a tidal flat gradient in the Yangtze River Estuary, China

“…P. australis is an essential native species, highly adaptable to various environments in coastal wetland ecosystems. P. australis absorbs nutrients and heavy metals, builds and stabilizes soil, and creates self-sustaining vegetation in urban and industrial areas where many other plants do not flourish ( Eller et al., 2020 ).…”

“…Previous studies suggested that identifying and selecting foundation species is a key step in ecosystem restoration ( Ellison et al., 2019 ), necessitating an urgent understanding of enhanced ecosystem services following the planting and establishing of the foundation species ( Angelini et al., 2011 ; Osland et al., 2014 ). As one of the primary species, Phragmites australis (common reed) dominates the ecological community engineering effect in biomass and spontaneous ecosystems ( Eller et al., 2020 ) and has a forward-looking ecological theoretical guidance ( Crain and Bertness, 2006 ; Bonanno and Lo Giudice, 2010 ) and restoration practice ( Hastings et al., 2007 ). The spatial structure of P. australis genotypes under changing environments is linked to patch habitats.…”

“…It is possible to use habitat patches as test systems to identify suitable genetic resources for ecological restoration in the mosaic landscape ( Gao et al., 2012 ). P. australis absorbs nutrients and heavy metals, builds and stabilizes soil, and creates self-sustaining vegetation in urban and industrial areas where many other plants do not flourish ( Eller et al., 2020 ). Wetland managers should consider P. australis under a new perspective as a restorative material rather than a non-native invader.…”