IJAER

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research™

ISSN 2455-6939

Title:
GREEN HARVESTS OF THREE PERENNIAL ENERGY CROPS AND THEIR CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Authors:
Ivan Kron , Pavol Porvaz , Alena Kralova-Hricindova , Stefan Toth , Jan Sarvas , Matej Polak

Abstract:
Aim: To analyze the chemical composition of three potential energy crops for bioenergy (biogas or bioethanol) production, namely Miscanthus x gigantheus, Sida hermaphrodita, Arundo donax during three phases of maturation. Methods: The study consisted of two parts: field experiments (in short: preparation of soil, planting of energy crops, fertilization, and green harvests (28.7.2014, 15.8.2914, 8.9.2914, respectively) - three times in different stages of flowering) and laboratory determinations (dry matter content, CHNS(O) analysis, heavy metals and toxic elements determination, and heat combustion evaluation). Results: Dry matter of energy crops increase with later harvest, the highest dry matter found for Miscanthus. CHNS analysis confirmed highest values of carbon for Miscanthus on contrary to heavy metal determinations with lowest metal contests for Miscanthus. Heat of combustion and calculated heating values correlated very well with carbon content of energy crops. Theoretical yield of biomethane was highest for Miscanthus as well. Conclusion: From our study follows that the best energy crop for 2nd generation of biofuels from our choice is Miscanthus x giganteus, because of the highest content of dry matter, better elemental composition (CHNS(O) analysis), less toxic elements and heavy metals, the highest combustion heat, and theoretically would produce more biomethane in all three green harvests than the others.

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