The analysis of carbon content in different energy crops
2015
Bumane, S., Latvian Plant Protection Research Centre, Riga (Latvia) | Poisa, L., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Cubars, E., Rezekne Higher Education Institution (Latvia) | Platace, R., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)
Local grass and water plant use is an important part in diversification of the energy sources. The various plants are one of the most important types of the local biomass, whose potential in Latvia until now is not being adequately used. The objective of this work was to determine the suitability of the biomass of reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), festulolium (x Festulolium), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) as fuel. The carbon content in the biomass was determined using carbon/sulphur analyzer ELTRA CS–2000. Reeds are one of the widespread water plants in Latvia. The analyzed samples were collected from 11 natural and artificial water bodies. The field trials of tall fescue, festulolium, reed canary grass was carried out during 2011-2012 growth seasons in Research and Study Farm “Peterlauki” (56°53’N, 23°71’E) of the Latvian University of Agriculture. Plants were cultivated in the sod calcareous soils pHKCl 6.7, containing available P 52 mg kg-1, K 128 mg kg-1and organic matter content 21 to 25 g kg-1. According to the results of the three-year study the carbon content in the reeds were 42.41 ± 0.18%. The carbon content is similar to various tall fescue – 47.55 ± 0.09%, festulolium 47.14 ± 0.14%, reed canary grass varieties ‘Marathon’, ‘Bamse’, ‘Pedja’ was 47.24 ± 0.09%. The carbon yield for one hectare was within the range 1.09-3.89 t haE-1. It was dependent on the variety, plant age and nitrogen fertiliser use. Plant carbon content analysis established that biomass of reeds, tall fescue, festulolium, reed canary grass is suitable for energy generation. Carbon content in these plants is similar to that of the firewood.
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