The comparison of single and double cut harvests on biomass yield, quality and biogas production of Miscanthus × giganteus

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of double-cut harvest system on yield, as well as on suitability of Miscanthus × giganteus biomass for ensiling and biogas production. Biomass was harvested at the end of June (harvest I) and at the beginning of October (harvest II, regrowth). A single-cut regime at the end of October was also conducted. Biomass from harvests I and II was ensiled and subjected to anaerobic fermentation. The total dry matter (DM) yield from double-cut harvest system was similar to the DM yield from one-cut harvest, but two harvests per year had a positive effect on chemical composition of the biomass. C/N ratio and lignin content in the biomass from harvest I was lower compared to the single-cut biomass. Double harvest biomass was susceptible to ensiling, however, the biomass from harvest I characterized by low dry matter and water soluble sugars content resulted in poorer quality of the obtained silage (butyric acid was present). There were no significant differences between the methane yields obtained from ensiled biomass from harvests I and II.

Cost–Benefit Analysis for Supply Chain of Renewable Gases from Perennial Energy Crops: The Case of Lithuania

“…Tall wheatgrass as well as reed canary grass were more productive than maize within optimum situations in terms of methane output per area. Therefore, for Central Europe or regions with a similar climate, we advise using both species as biogas sources [49]. Napier grass and cattle slurry-based biogas production applications could be applied more cost-effectively to more sustainable production of biogas and to increase methane content [50].…”