Giant cane (Arundo donax L.) for biogas production: The effect of two ensilage methods on biomass characteristics and biogas potential. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corno, Luca; Pilu, Roberto; Cantaluppi, Enrico; Adani, Fabrizio
• Is Part Of: Biomass and bioenergy. Volume 93(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Arundo donax -- Biomethane -- Bioenergy -- Ensilage -- Trench silo -- Silo-bag silo; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biomass -- Periodicals; Energy-Generating Resources -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; 333.9539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.07.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-9534

Abstract

Abstract: Arundo donax L. is a perennial plant that can substitute for traditional energy crops to produce biogas, reducing costs because of its high biogas yield per Ha cultivated and low agronomic and energetic inputs. Nevertheless, Arundo donax biomass needs to be ensiled to be preserved and used. Because no full-scale data exist about A. donax ensilage and the effect of this process on potential biogas production, in this work two different ensiling techniques, i.e. trench and silo-bag ensiling, were performed at full scale, and the processes studied for 200 days. Results obtained indicated that A. donax could be successful ensiled by using the two approaches. Ensilage proceeded by fermentation of organic acids already present in the biomass, i.e. malic and oxalic acids that were degraded, giving volatile fatty acid accumulation. This was different from corn ensiling characterized by starch fermentation to lactic acids. Biological processes determined a loss of the potential biomethane production, namely −20.1% and −7.6% for trench and silo-bag, respectively. Taking into consideration biomethane yield per Ha and ensilage losses, potential biomethane losses of 5000 Nm 3 CH4 Ha −1 for trench silage and of 2000 Nm 3 CH4 Ha −1 for silo bag, were estimated, respectively. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the higher biomass and biomethane yields Ha −1 in comparison with the other energy crops, A. donax still remained more efficient and cheaper than traditional energy crops in producing biogas. Highlights: Arundo donax biomass can be ensiled efficiently without using microbial starters. A. donax ensilage was tested at full-scale using trench and silo-bag techniques. Fermentations consumed organic acids accumulating organic fatty acids. Trench silage showed higher biomethane potential loss and than silo-bag silage. Potential biomethane production was higher than traditional energy crops.