Author
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Venuto, Bradley |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2007 Publication Date: 3/14/2007 Citation: Venuto, B.C. 2007. Producing biomass from sorghum by sudangrass hybrids[abstract]. Proceedings of the 2nd International Energy Farming Congress. Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only. Technical Abstract: Biomass production systems for energy development that utilize cellulosic feedstocks from low-input systems such as Conservation Reserve Program acreage and agricultural residues available from row crop farming have been proposed and evaluated in numerous ways. In addition, dedicated cropping systems may be developed using crops selected and grown specifically for high biomass production. Cellulosic feedstocks such as switchgrass and Miscanthus, promoted as high priority biomass crops, can deter producers due to their exotic nature, high establishment costs and the lack of a multi-purpose component. If producers are to make an intelligent shift from their current production crops to a dedicated biomass crop it may be desirable, at least initially, to provide them with a low risk multi-purpose crop that can maximize their management options. Hybrid forage sorghums (HFS) and sorghum by sudangrass hybrids (SSG) have the potential for large biomass yields and exhibit a high degree of tolerance to a wide range of environmental stresses. Multiple vegetative harvests (ratoon harvests) of sorghum are possible and photo period sensitive (PPS) sorghums that remain vegetative for long periods of time are available. However, management strategies need to be developed for maximizing the utilization of HFS, SSG and PPS sorghum cultivars as cellulosic feedstock sources with forage production as a secondary alternative. Our research has demonstrated sustained mean yields of 25.1 to 27.6 Mg ha-1 dry matter across 3 years and 26 cultivars, depending on harvest management techniques. In a study at El Reno, Oklahoma, USA, cultivars exhibited varying production potentials as well as interactions with particular harvesting system. The top biomass producing cultivar yielded 40 Mg ha-1 dry matter for a single late season harvest, while the lowest yielding cultivar produced 18 Mg ha-1. This study suggests that sorghum offers high yield potential with the added advantage of flexible management options that can minimize producer risk The annual nature of the sorghums could enable producers to enter the feedstock market immediately, with minimal risk, while simultaneously establishing perennial biomass crops that might take several years to reach maximum productivity. This system could also provide a feedstock source that would be responsive to unpredictable or rapidly changing feedstock demands. This type of within or across season flexibility, or ‘management plasticity’, could be financially advantageous to the forage or row crop producer wanting to establish themselves as biomass providers for an emerging industry. |
