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Because of the increased interest in miscanthus as a new source of biomass for energy production and fibre, in 2007 a field experiment was established to determine the optimum storage conditions for miscanthus in round bale form (1.2 m diameter × 1.2 m long).
Miscanthus bales were stored under three treatments, outdoor uncovered, outdoor covered an...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... storage is impractical if a year round quality supply of dry miscanthus is required. The ANOVA for the mixed between-within-subjects effects is presented in Table 3. ...
Context 2
... is evident from the ANOVA in Table 3, the effect of initial moisture content (I_MC) as a single contributing factor, method of storage as a single contributing factor and the interaction between these two factors are highly significant (P < 0.01). The overall loss or gain of moisture along with the final moisture content of each bale (wet basis) is presented graphically in Fig. 2. ...
Context 3
... effect of the three-way interaction between dates, initial moisture content and method of storage is highly significant (P < 0.01) on the final moisture content of the stored biomass. All sources of variation in the ANOVA for the between-subjects and within-subjects effects are very significant (Table 3). ...
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Citations
... After harvesting, miscanthus is baled on the farm for storage. The moisture content (w.b.) of miscanthus bales stored under cover (tarped or indoor) is assumed to be 22.4% (Nolan et al., 2009). Fig. 1 shows the system diagram of the biorefinery. ...
This study assesses the economic performance of a biorefinery producing xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) from miscanthus by autohydrolysis and purification based on a rigorous model developed in ASPEN Plus. Varied biorefinery capacities (50–250 oven dry metric ton (ODMT)/day) and three XOS content levels (80%, 90%, 95%) are analyzed. The XOS minimum selling price (XOS MSP) is $3,430–$7,500, $4,030–$8,970, and $4,840–$10,640 per metric ton (MT) for 80%, 90%, and 95% content, respectively. The results show that increasing biorefinery capacity can significantly reduce the XOS MSP and higher purity leads to higher XOS MSP due to less yield, and higher capital and operating costs. This study also explores another system configuration to produce high-value byproducts, cellulose microfiber, by utilizing the cellulose to produce microfiber instead of combusting for energy recovery. The XOS MSP of cellulose microfiber case is $2,460–$7,040/MT and thus exhibits potential economic benefits over the other cases.
... However, when randomly measured, it was 49%-70% lower in giant reed and 65%-70% in miscanthus. Modulating harvesting time, field drying and bailing the biomass are strategies to improve bulk density and moisture directly on field, as reported for miscanthus and giant reed [126,127]. Round bale density of switchgrass and reed canary grass averaged 163 kg m −3 with no significant differences between crops [128]. The same authors pointed out that storage can greatly change the biomass composition, the moisture content and the dry matter loss. ...
This review describes the multiple utilization of perennial grasses as resilient crops for a multifunctional agriculture. Beyond its role of producing food, feed and fiber, the concept of multifunctional agriculture includes many other functions, such as ecosystem services, renewable energy production and a contribution to the socio-economic viability of rural areas. Traditionally used for feed, some perennial grasses—known as perennial energy grasses (e.g., miscanthus—Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter, giant reed—Arundo donax L., switchgrass—Panicun virgatum L., reed canary grass—Phalaris arundinacea L.)—have been recommended as a biomass source for both energy and non-energy applications, and ecosystem services. Perennial grasses are lignocellulosic, low-cost feedstock, able to grow in variable environments including marginal lands. Due to their high yield, resilient traits, biomass composition, energy and environmental sustainability, perennial grasses are a candidate feedstock to foster the bio-based economy and adapt to a changing agriculture. However, perennial grasses for biomass production are largely undomesticated crops, or are at early stages of development. Hence, a great potential for improvements is expected, provided that research on breeding, agronomy, post-harvest logistic and bioconversion is undertaken in order to deliver resilient genotypes growing and performing well across a broad range of environmental conditions, climatic uncertainty, marginal land type and end-use destinations.
... In reed canary grass a spring-harvest system reduced moisture and mineral concentration across a wide range of elements compared to harvest in the fall (Burvall 1997). Similar reductions have also been noted for ash and mineral concentration in overwintered Miscanthus × giganteus (Lewandowski et al. 2003a;Meehan, Finnan, and Mc Donnell 2012;Nolan et al. 2009). In switchgrass a delayed harvest has been demonstrated to lower moisture concentration (Adler et al. 2006;Delaquis et al. 2014), ash (Kim et al. 2011;Vermerris 2008), and the concentration of some elements including S, P, K, Cl, and N (Adler et al. 2006;Goel et al. 2000;Vermerris 2008). ...
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising bioenergy crop for temperate regions. Overwintering has been used to improve biomass quality resulting in a more efficient combustion, partially due to a reduction in minerals concentration. This study examines the effects of soil composition on overwintered switchgrass composition. Samples were collected in the spring from 58 environments in Southern Quebec to determine possible relationships between soil composition and biomass quality. Principal component analysis and stepwise regressions were used to identify relationships between soil and biomass compositions. Soil parameters monitored explained 74% of the variation in biomass silicon (Si) concentration, 45% of the variation in ash, and 32% of the variation in magnesium (Mg). Soil composition had limited effects on the concentration of other elements in switchgrass biomass. Switchgrass biomass quality is influenced by soil composition and appears well suited to biomass combustion when overwintered and harvested in the spring.
... Hence, it was assumed here that only 80% of the aboveground biomass is available for bio-electricity generation. About 1,700 kW h electric power is generated per ton miscanthus biomass with an energy content of 17.5 GJ t À 1 [76] and an energy conversion efficiency of 0.35 from thermal to electricity [77]. The standard coal equivalent was calculated using a standard coal energy content of 29.3 GJ t À 1 . ...
... Bio-electricity generation potential (TW h yr À 1 ) c Standard-coal equivalent potential (10 4 t yr À 1 ) d GHG-saving potential (10 4 t CO 2 eq. yr À 1 ) e Table 4. c Approximately 1700 kW h electric power is generated per ton miscanthus biomass with an energy content of 17.5 GJ t À 1 [76] and an energy conversion efficiency of 0.35 from thermal to electricity [77]. d Standard-coal equivalent was calculated based on an energy content of standard coal of 29.3 GJ t À 1 . ...
... Since the early 1970s miscanthus has been generating increasing research interest mainly as a nonfood crop for energy production and as a fibre for building materials, geotextiles, and paper. A single genotype is generally used for commercial production, including Miscanthus x giganteus [15,16]. ...
In recent years renewable energy sources (RES) have played a key role in current strategies to mitigate the impacts of global warming and independence on foreign energy sources. Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is one of perennial grass which was identified as among best choices for low input bioenergy production. Our paper presents the relationship between the quality of soil and yielding as well as the biometrics features of miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus). Following this study Miscanthus x giganteus has best yields on soils of average quality, not too heavy. Obtained results can also conclude that achieving Miscanthus x giganteus yield at 2-4 kg DM (m²)⁻¹ is possible in the case of plants which grow from 30 to 60 shoots for stump with a diameter of 7-9 mm and a height exceeding 2.5 m.
... In Ireland yields of Miscanthus have been reported to be 8-10 ton DM ha -1 (Nolan et al., 2009). Opportunities for multiple uses, such as waste water and sewage sludge treatment, further enhance the financial attractiveness of bioenergy crop production, and could substantially increase farm revenues (Styles et al., 2008). ...
This paper describes the isolation and identification of a collection of microbes associated with Miscanthus and Iris plants
... There are no data in the literature on the physical losses of baled giant reed during storage nor on the temperature trend of the bales in relation to the moisture content at baling, bale type (round or square), bale density, and environmental factors such as relative humidity, temperature and air movement. Nolan et al. [38] for another perennial rhizomatous grass, miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), found that bales stored covered outdoors at initial moisture contents of up to 39% did not present problems of self-heating. However, in that study the bulk density was 105 kg m À3 , the crop was in round bales and not stacked. ...
This study evaluated an innovative collection system for biomass based on single-pass harvesting to
reduce handling and storage costs. Trials were conducted on two herbaceous perennials: giant reed
(Arundo donax L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). A technical and economic evaluation compared
two single-pass harvesting systems in which the biomass was cut-shredded-baled in the same operation.
The two systems were composed of a Nobili biotriturator (for biomass shredding and windrowing) frontmounted
on a 4-wheel-drive tractor and two types of balers: a KUHN VB2160 round baler and a KUHN
LSB 1290 large square baler. Costs of harvesting, handling, storage and delivery to the conversion plant
were evaluated. Three distances of delivering were considered (0e20; 20e40; 40e60 km). It was estimated
that the harvesting system could produce round bales of switchgrass and giant reed stored in-field
under a plastic tarp at a cost of 22.3 V Mg�1 and 23.3 V Mg�1 dry and square bales at 26.0 V Mg�1 and
21.7 V Mg�1 for switchgrass and giant reed respectively. The costs of harvesting, handling, in-field
storage and delivery to the conversion plant amounted to 43.7 V Mg�1 and 45.7 V Mg�1 dry for
round bales and 43.1 V Mg�1 dry and 34.9 V Mg�1 for square bales of switchgrass and giant reed for
delivery distances of less than 20 km.
... iscanthus is a non-food crop having highquality lignocellulosic materials for both energy and fiber production (Jones and Walsh, 2001;Nolan et al., 2009). Miscanthus (giganteus) is a woody rhizomatous C4 grass species characterized by relatively high yields, low moisture content at harvest, high water and nitrogen use efficiencies, and low susceptibility to pests and diseases. ...
... For miscanthus utilization as a biomass source, a yearround supply of the product is required (Nolan et al., 2009). It is important to preserve the harvested miscanthus to ensure the quality and quantity of the product (Huisman and Kortleve, 1994). ...
Measurement and analysis of airflow resistance are essential for the engineering design of systems to dry or aerate agricultural products. This work investigates the measurement of airflow resistance as a function of airflow velocity for two types of chopped miscanthus. Chopped miscanthus physical properties (moisture content, bulk density, and particle
size distribution) were measured and analyzed for their effects on airflow resistance. Chopped miscanthus with a bed depth of 0.57 m was stored in a drum 0.83 m 0.60 m (height diameter) and aerated with ambient air at different velocities ranging from 0.073 to 0.461 m s-1. Bulk density was considered an important parameter in relation to pressure
drop of chopped miscanthus. Shedd’s curves were developed for both types of chopped miscanthus. Airflow resistance increased with the increase in airflow velocity, as affected by bulk density (moisture content, particle size and shape), and was in the range between ASABE standard values for ear corn and shelled corn.
... There are no data in the literature on the physical losses of baled giant reed during storage nor on the temperature trend of the bales in relation to the moisture content at baling, bale type (round or square), bale density, and environmental factors such as relative humidity, temperature and air movement. Nolan et al. [38] for another perennial rhizomatous grass, miscanthus (Miscanthus  giganteus), found that bales stored covered outdoors at initial moisture contents of up to 39% did not present problems of self-heating. However, in that study the bulk density was 105 kg m À3 , the crop was in round bales and not stacked. ...
This study evaluated an innovative collection system for biomass based on single-pass harvesting to reduce handling and storage costs. Trials were conducted on two herbaceous perennials: giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). A technical and economic evaluation compared two single-pass harvesting systems in which the biomass was cut-shredded-baled in the same operation. The two systems were composed of a Nobili biotriturator (for biomass shredding and windrowing) front-mounted on a 4-wheel-drive tractor and two types of balers: a KUHN VB2160 round baler and a KUHN LSB 1290 large square baler. Costs of harvesting, handling, storage and delivery to the conversion plant were evaluated. Three distances of delivering were considered (0–20; 20–40; 40–60 km). It was estimated that the harvesting system could produce round bales of switchgrass and giant reed stored in-field under a plastic tarp at a cost of 22.3 € Mg−1 and 23.3 € Mg−1 dry and square bales at 26.0 € Mg−1 and 21.7 € Mg−1 for switchgrass and giant reed respectively. The costs of harvesting, handling, in-field storage and delivery to the conversion plant amounted to 43.7 € Mg−1 and 45.7 € Mg−1 dry for round bales and 43.1 € Mg−1 dry and 34.9 € Mg−1 for square bales of switchgrass and giant reed for delivery distances of less than 20 km.
... Бале се могу складиштити у: наткривеном простору (простор са кровном конструкцијом), или у отвореном простору под цирадом или под пластичним прекривачем (Џелетовић и сар., 2009-б). Непокривене бале на пољу изложене су влажењу, што доводи до смањења квалитета материјала (Nolan et al., 2008). ...
PROTECTION, PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, BY GROWING BIOENERGETIC GRASS Miscanthus × giganteus
The results obtained in this study should allow the primary consumers (farmers, bioenergy resource processors, agricultural biomass energy consumers) an adequate establishing and realization of sustainable high-yield, stable and cost-effective production of bio-energy biomass grass Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et. Deu. In the introduction, we provided valid and available technical and scientific information related to the cultivation of miscanthus.
Study research was conducted at seven representative locations in Serbia (Zemun, Ralja near Sopot Majur near Sabac, Snegotin at Golubac, Skorenovac near Kovin, Vranje and Veliki Crljeni at Lazarevac), in order to analyse the climate, weather, soil and biological parameters of importance for the growth and development of miscanthus. The following spatial, soil and agro-technical advantages and limitations of miscanthus cultivation were identified.
There are comparatively favourable agro-ecological conditions for miscanthus cultivation in Serbia. Climate in Serbia is mainly moderately continental, with steppe properties in Vojvodina and Negotinska Krajina. However, duration of the miscanthus growth season depends on the weather conditions. On average, miscanthus growth season in Serbia lasts six months (from April 15th to October 15th).During the most of the growing season moisture deficit is present, i.e., crop evapotranspiration is higher than rainfall.
Growing season can be significantly shortened by the unpredictable occurrence of late spring frosts, prolonged droughts and heat waves during the summer. As mature crop, miscanthus shows high resistance to extreme weather events, such as strong and long-lasting winter frosts, prolonged drought and heat waves in the summer, damage caused by exposure to the hailstorm and floods. However, rhizome winterkill in the first year after planting can be caused by the absence of snow cover, with the occurrence of several days of strong frosts. Such weather conditions are rare, but possible during the winter months in Serbia and mainly occur locally or regionally.
Weeds represent major obstacles in achieving stable and high yield of miscanthus in Serbia. Unlike extreme weather events, which occur in a particular section of a growth season, damage caused by weeds can be afflicked continuously, and in certain cases can destroy newfounded miscanthus crop, unless appropriate measures are taken. At the plots with miscanthus where weed control measures were implemented in the first year of cultivation, in the latter years the crop is taller with denser canopy and larger stem diameter (measured at 0.1 and 1 meter heights) and subapical leaf length.
Preventive measures for weed control in miscanthus are: a) good managing of agricultural production area; b) conservation of nonweeded ruderal habitats and non-agricultural areas; c) maintenance of infrastructure facilities; d) planting of good quality planting materials. Direct measures for weed control in miscanthus are: a) primary tillage; b) planting miscanthus in optimal timeframe; c) planting density; d) crop row maintenance; e) mulching; f) application of herbicides. Weed control in miscanthus by applying appropriate herbicides is performed: a) before planting; b) after planting and at pre-emergence; c) at post emergence; and d) after harvest.
From the fourth year of miscanthus cultivation on chernozem, at a planting density of 2 rhizome per m2, miscanthus produces relatively high yields, on average above 20 t of dry weight/ha regardless of the applied fertilization treatment. However, it should be expected that the biomass yield will be lower on a lower quality soil in Serbia than those obtained on chernozem.
Miscanthus on chernozem produces relatively high yields, on average over 20 tons of biomass dry weight/ha, after four years of growing, independently of the applied fertilization treatment, at a planting density of 2 rhizome/m2. However, it should be expected that miscanthus biomass yield will be lower on lower quality land in Serbia than those obtained on chernozem. On cambisol, in the long-lasting experiment, average yields of biomass of 15 tons / ha was obtained at the same planting densities. At different locations and soil types in Serbia, expected miscanthus biomass yields should be in the range between the ones on cambisol and chernozem.
Currently, miscanthus in Serbia is grown in the plains and river valleys, at lower altitudes and on different soil types. We estimate that current growing surface of miscanthus in Serbia is 100-120 ha. The total area under miscanthus is increased at the rate of 30-50% annually. Miscanthus cultivation in Serbia began mainly on soils that have optimal conditions. In the near future, miscanthus cultivation on larger land areas will be inevitably shifted to marginal land. Serbia has enough abandoned and unused land that could be cultivated with miscanthus.
Risks in growing miscanthus in Serbia are: a) insufficient water supply; b) presence of weeds in crop; c) crops winterkill; d) crop lodging; e) crop disease; f) harvest timelines and expected yields; g) economy of growth; h) biomass quality; and i) storage of harvested biomass and fire hazards.
Miscanthus cultivation can successfully protect not only agricultural, but also marginal land areas against introducing other utilization modes, and also enable the additional sources of income for farmers. Commercial miscanthus cultivation on productive agricultural and marginal land will allow not only the financial benefits for farmers, but also a certain level of energy autonomy of individual economies and eventually indirectly stimulate rural development.
Farms could expand or complement its product range by growing and processing miscanthus, including thus new and profitable products, which are significantly different from the previous. Such diversification of agricultural production may allow better farm market positioning.
