Introduction of tall grasses in Serbia agricultural production and using biomass as alternative fuel

Abstract

This research involved four perennial species belonging to the family of grasses (fam. Poaceae) characterized by intensive annual vegetative biomass growth and stalk height of above two meters. These are rush wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum), switch grass (Panicum virgatum), elephant grass (Arundo donax) and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus). These species originate from a large geographical area and are well adapted to various agro-ecological conditions. They are suitable for growing on soils with low natural fertility, on which most cultivated plants fail. The produced biomass (fresh or dry) is used to obtain gaseous, liquid and solid biofuels. Owing to their high tolerance to soil conditions, they are increasingly used for phytoremediation of devastated surfaces in the process of recultivation. During the vegetation season, these species incorporate significant quantities of carbon dioxide and other gases from the atmosphere. Production technology for these plants is simple and can be implemented using standard agricultural mechanization. Highest investments are required in the first year, when crops are established, with production costs significantly dropping in subsequent years. According to data from our own investigations, as well as results of other authors, costs for establishing crops amount to 4,000-4,500 EUR/ha, depending on the species. Biomass yields in the year of establishing are relatively low and do not cover production costs, but from the second or third year, high yields that justify the investment in growing these energy crops are realized. Depending on the species, as well as the maintaining of crops, established plants can be used for up to twenty years, which in the end fully justifies growing tall grasses for producing biofuels, but also for phytoremediation of devastated soils.