Abstract:

【Objective】 The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the yield and biomass characteristics of three herbaceous plants, namely switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), silverreed (Triarrhena sacchariflora (Maxim.) Nakai) and giantreed (Arundo donax L.), in Beijing of China for their rational utilization as bioenergy feedstocks. 【Method】 Field trials were conducted at experimental station of Beijing Research & Development Center for Grasses and Environment from 2006 to 2009 and the biomass yield and quality parameters were investigated by field observations and laboratory analysis. 【Result】 The dry biomass yield was 28.33, 29.67, and 34.46 t?hm-2 for switchgrass, silver reed, and giant reed, respectively. Among the three grasses, switchgrass and silverreed would be perfect for cellulosic ethanol conversion due to higher biomass content of cellulose and hemicellulose and lower lignin content, for direct combustion, co-combustion with coal, pyrolysis and gasification due to higher calorific value, ash melting temperature, and contents of C and H elements and lower content of N, ash, and moisture, but disadvantaged for methane fermentation because of higher ratio of C to N. Giantreed had higher biomass content of water, lignin, and ash than those of switchgrass and silverreed and would be disadvantaged for transport, storage, ethanol conversion, and combustion. 【Conclusion】Switchgrass, silverreed, and giantreed, were appropriate for extended planting in Beijing and surrounding areas as excellent herbaceous energy plants. But reasonable species choice should be employed according to the conversion approach and the growth characteristics, productivity levels, and biomass quality characteristics of the three grasses.

Key words: herbaceous energy plant, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), silverreed (Triarrhena sacchariflora (Maxim.) Nakai), Giantreed (Arundo donax L.)