Title:
Switchgrass Harvest Timing and Method Affect Biomass Yield and Quality in the US Great Lakes Region
Author(s):
Adkins, A.B., Thelen, K.D.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Weather conditions during post senescence fall switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) harvest in the US Great Lakes region often do not facilitate proper field drying of switchgrass prior to baling. In order for a cellulosic biofuel production system to be feasible, a switchgrass biomass harvest system that facilitates timely harvest for farmers, maximizes harvest yield, minimizes dry matter storage loss, and maximizes switchgrass winter hardiness is necessary. This study compared a dry bale harvest method with a direct cut chop and ensile harvest method. Switchgrass yield, quality, and stand survivability were evaluated. Biomass yield was maximized during an early fall harvest timing using a direct chop and ensiling harvest method. However, neither storage method consistently preserved biomass quality better than the other. Results indicated that the chop/ensile harvest storage method did not adversely impact winter hardiness of the switchgrass stand. Overall, the data support a hypothesis that direct chopping and ensiling will maximize harvest yield, preserve biomass quality, and maintain switchgrass stand densities in the US Great Lakes region.
Keywords:
biomass, harvesting, switchgrass
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Biomass crops and energy grasses
Event:
27th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BO.9.1
Pages:
90 - 96
ISBN:
978-88-89407-19-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/27thEUBCE2019-1BO.9.1
Price:
FREE
