Nutrient sources and harvesting frequency on quality biomass production of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for biofuel. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohammed, Yesuf Assen; Raun, William; Kakani, Gopal; Zhang, Hailin; Taylor, Randy; Desta, Kefeyalew Girma; Jared, Crain; Mullock, Jeremiah; Bushong, Jake; Sutradhar, Apurba; Ali, Muaid S.; Reinert, Michael
• Is Part Of: Biomass and bioenergy. Volume 81(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 242
• Page End: 248
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Biomass -- Cattle manure -- Feedstock -- Poultry litter -- Soil fertility -- Switchgrass; Biomass energy -- Periodicals; Biomass -- Periodicals; Energy-Generating Resources -- Periodicals; Bioénergie -- Périodiques; 333.9539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.06.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-9534

Abstract

Abstract: Improper management of cattle manure and poultry litter from confined animal farming are usually source of water pollution. However, appropriate application of these products on switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) field can enhance biomass yield and promote nutrient recycling. We evaluated the effects of harvest frequency and nutrient sources on yield and quality of switchgrass for biofuel feedstock. The experiment was carried out at Perkins and Lake Carl Blackwell, Oklahoma, from 2009 to 2011 using split plot design with four replications. The main plot treatments were two harvest frequencies single (June), and twice (June and November). The subplot treatments were nutrient sources: 1) cattle manure (CM), 2) poultry litter (PL), 3) urea (nitrogen at 150 kg ha −1 ), 4) combined chemical fertilizer (nitrogen-P2 O5 –K2 O) with nitrogen at 150 kg ha −1, P2 O5 at 40 kg ha −1, and K2 O at 20 kg ha −1, 5) inter-seeded Crimson clover ( Trifolium incarnatum L.), and 6) control. Mean biomass yield was higher (12.4 Mg ha −1 ) in 2010 than other years possibly due to optimum moisture and temperature in 2010. At Perkins in 2010, application of CM and PL increased biomass yield significantly by 30 and 23% compared with combined chemical fertilizer (12.9 Mg ha −1 ). The effect of nutrient sources on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content was not significant at both locations. Cumulative biomass from twice harvest was similar to single harvest except in 2011 due to dry weather after the first cut. The cellulose and lignin content were significantly higher for single harvest compared with twice harvest at both locations. Highlights: Improper management of cattle manure (CM) and poultry litter (PL) from confined animal farming are usually source of water pollution. However, appropriate application of these products on switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) field can enhance biomass yield and promote nutrient recycling. We found that CM and PL increased biomass yield significantly to the extent of 30 and 23% compared with combined chemical fertilizer (12.9 Mg ha −1 ). The effect of nutrient sources on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content was not significant. Cumulative biomass from twice harvest was similar to single harvest except when it was dry growing season and single harvest tends to increase cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content compared with twice harvest treatment.