Biomass of Grasses and Other Herbaceous Plants for Bioenergy Use

Biomass supply for different uses, especially for bioenergy production, is becoming increasingly important. Independently of the purposes of biomass use, high yields per unit area and best possible quality need to be achieved. As a result, the selection of appropriate plant species is an important aspect. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) were investigated on a light loam (Cambisol) with a view to assessing the impact of nitrogen (N) and harvest time on biomass yield used for biogas. The biomass yield was influenced by cutting frequency and N fertilizer rate. In the two years of experiment, tall fescue and reed canary grass were most productive. Since traditional grasses (cocksfoot, reed canary grass, etc.) generally yield less in a northern climate, it could be attractive some alternative crops. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and other herbaceous crops – Miscanthus x gigantheus, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermafrodita R.), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) and absinthe wormwood (Artemisia dubia Wall.) were established. The non-traditional herbaceous species were investigated in a small-plot experiment on sand with small stone and gravel admixture (Eutri-Cambic Arenosol). Preliminary research results suggest that the biomass yield of some investigated alternative crops is quite promising, particularly absinthe wormwood. Yield data averaged over three years of swards use showed that with and without nitrogen fertilization, absinthe wormwood and Virginia fanpetals out-performed cocksfoot, which is regarded as a traditional grass. Absinthe wormwood and Virginia fanpetals also exhibited the lowest concentration of ash, which is an important indicator of suitability for bioenergy use. Further research on grasses and alternative bioenergy crop management is needed