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Biomass crops

Learn about the biomass crops miscanthus, willow and poplar and their potential to capture carbon

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Image source: Terravesta

Miscanthus, Miscanthus × giganteus, is a fast-growing, rhizomatous C4 grass species that is hardy in temperate climates. With a productive life of 15-20 years, miscanthus grows to 3-4m in height, achieving annual above-ground, dry-matter biomass yields in excess of 15 t/ha, which are typically higher than short-rotation coppice (willow or poplar). In addition to baling or pelleting for bioenergy production, miscanthus can be used in the manufacture of biocomposites or for animal bedding.

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Miscanthus is suited to a wide range of soils, and it can be grown on marginal land where soil quality is lower or there is a risk of flooding. Most miscanthus is clonally-propagated, with commercial crops established from rhizomes, leading to relatively high uniformity. Post-planting crop input requirements are low, with few known pests or diseases and little response to nitrogen fertiliser. Its extensive rhizome and root system mean that miscanthus can help to stabilise soils and trap nutrients, reducing erosion risk and protecting water when grown in buffer zones. The crop cover also provides shelter for wildlife, especially over the winter.

Uses of miscanthus

In the field

Year 1

Spring:

  • Plant when the soil temp is approximately 8⁰ C.

  • The first shoots will begin to emerge when temperatures are between 15⁰ C and 20⁰ C.

  • The planting rate is 17,000 rhizomes per hectare (1.7 per m2). Planting can be done with semi-automatic planter from Terravesta.

  • Rows should be 75cm apart.

  • Can grow on all soil types, the optimal conditions are wet, sandy soils.

  • Soil pH needs to be 6.0 - 7.5 for optimal development.

  • Can apply herbicide after planting, after establishment, no chemical input needed.

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Summer:

  • It will reach heights of 3m

  • leaves will start to shed with shorter days. This will add to the soil cover and nutrition.

 

Autumn:

  • The stems will turn from green to red and then gold

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Winter

  • Using forage harvester as shown below, harvest when the soil is dry.

  • Leave it in the swath for about a week so all the sap leaves the stems.

  • It can be baled when the crop moisture content is 10-14%.

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Year 2 and onwards, repeat the cycle 

Benefits of miscanthus

Biomass crops links and information

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