RENEWABLE ENERGY CROPS Perennial Grasses
Perennial grasses display many beneficial attributes as energy crops, and there has been increasing interest in their use in the US and Europe since the mid-1980's. Perennial grasses are a unique form of fuel supply and are quite different from regular crops. They have a rotation time of 20 to 25 years and hardly require tillage. Arundo donax is commonly known as Giant Reed. Originating on the Indian subcontinent, its native range extends from the marshes of Eastern Europe to Indo-China and it is now found in most temperate and tropical climates throughout the world. Giant Reed:
The energy crop of the future! Giant reed is a sterile, high energy perennial capable of producing more than 20 dry tons per acre. Along with this, giant reed’s fast growing nature produces a bamboo-like stalk reaching upwards of 20 feet and allows for harvesting at least once year after the establishment year. Combine these traits with low input costs (low fertilizer, no pesticides, low maintenance, high cellulose content) and it is easy to see the significant role giant reed will play in route to a greener, more sustainable future.  |
Miscanthus:
Miscanthus giganteus is a genus of "woody" rhizomatous perennial grasses, growing to 9 to 12 feet in height. It produces new shoots annually that produce erect, robust stems and appear similar to thin bamboo cane, having a diameter of approximately 10mm. As a future biomass crop for the United States, yields of 8 to 16 dry tons per acre make it very attractive. Miscanthus has been reported growing and producing high or reasonable yields on a wide range of soils, from sands to high organic matter soils. It is also tolerant to a wide range of pH values. As early as the mid 1980's Miscanthus g., has been investigated as a potential perennial biomass crop. In 1993 the EU through the European Research Project began analyzing Miscanthus g., as a potential for biomass crops as well as other utilizations.  Additional Information
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