Paper details

Title:

The Effect of Perennial Grasses Cultivation on Selected Soil Chemical Properties

Author(s):

Zurek, G., Martyniak, D., Prokopiuk, K.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The aim of our work was to describe changes in chemical parameters of soil after 33 months of cultivation of three perennial grass species: Miscanthus x giganteus, Phalaris arundinacea and Elytrigia elongata. Biomass yield and soil chemical properties were estimated after 33 months of cultivation of mentioned grass species in different fertilization regimes: NPK (in kg•ha¬1) 0¬0¬0 (control), 80¬20¬30 (low dose) and 160¬20¬30 (high dose). Highest biomass yield (3¬years average of dry matter ¬24.4 t•ha¬1) was obtained for Miscanthus fertilized with high dose; other species yielded high only at lower dose. Chemical properties of soil after 33 months of cultivation of tested grass species were significantly decreased (pH, P, Ca, Cl) or increased (K, C). Considering species used, the lowest amounts of P, Ca and Mg in soil were noted for Miscanthus, as compared to the initial level and to other species. Significant changes in chemical properties of soil were mostly related to grass species but not to different fertilization level. It has been also concluded that after 33 months of cultivation average carbon increase in soil was ca. 2.32 t C•ha¬1. Species of the highest potential for C-sequestration were Phalaris and Miscanthus especially when fertilized.

Keywords:

biomass, CO₂ capture, miscanthus, reed canary grass, soil fertility

Topic:

Biomass Resources

Subtopic:

Energy crops and energy grasses

Event:

20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

1CO.3.3

Pages:

175 - 178

ISBN:

978-88-89407-54-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1CO.3.3

Price:

FREE