Abstract:
In connection with rise of global energy consumption use of
alternative resources is more and more actual topic. Importance of
renewable resources utilization has intensified with regard to decrease of
fossil fuels, their price rise and consequent risk of eventual energy
breakdown due to their shortage. Among others, plant biomass utilization is
one of these renewable resources. Today in many countries large
agricultural lands lie fallow and can not be used for food production in the
long term. However, with respect to sustainable development this land needs
to be agriculturally managed and biomass production might be just one of
the suitable ways, whereas use of available energy grass species with
adequate characteristics comes into question.
This work is focused on yield monitoring of selected grass species that
are expected to be used for energy purposes. Species cocksfoot (Dactylis
glomerata), tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and reedgrass
(Phalaroides arundinacea) were cultivated in three locations whereas aerial
biomass yield and dry matter content was monitored in three harvests
periods (before spiring phase, winter beginning – after first frosts, in spring).
As additional cultivation requirements of selected grass species were
assessed. Based on comparison of yield parameters in particular locations
was chosen the most suitable species and overall efficiency of utilization for
energy purposes. As far as the biomass production is concerned tall oat grass
proved the best yields – 7,08 t/ha before spiring, 10 t/ha after freeze and 5,92
t/ha in spring harvest. However, dry matter content plays important role as
well whereas the critical limit for burning is 80 %. This parameter was
fulfilled only by reedgrass which also is cultivation less-demanding.
Suitability of harvesting term is dependent on subsequent utilization of
biomass, e.g. for biogas production is the most optimal harvest-time before
spiring.
