Miscanthus (en)
Miscanthus
Generality : What is Miscanthus ?
Theorigin of the Miscanthus giganteus is a plant that participates in thefeeding of the elephants.
Miscanthus is a grass rhizomatous perennial from thenorthern hemisphere, native to Asia, having a significant potential for production of biomass through its photosynthetic metabolism of C4. There are many species.
The Miscanthus giganteus is a species hybrid which is the result of crossing two varieties originating incentral Asia, that is, Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus.
This variety was created in a purpose ofan energy production important : some species of the genus Miscanthus meet a growing interest on the part of theindustry and a part of the agricultural world because of its productivity and its content ligno-celluloses. To make cultures say energy, researchers have created, in Asia, this new species.
Potentially exploited as a source ofbiofuel, more respectful of theenvironment, it could reduce our dependence on therespect of petroleum products. (Sources: Wikipedia, Bibliographies various)
The botanical
Kingdom: Plantae, Grass
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Miscanthus
Species: Sinensis, (silver grass, grass, elephant)
Variety: Giganteus
Origin: central Asia
Height: 2 – 4 m
Longevity: 15 years to 25 years (for the oldest cultures known to this day)
Multiplication : This variety is sterile, propagation is by rhizome
photosynthetic Metabolism: C4 (such as sugar cane or corn)
Technical characteristics
Know the climate and soil conditions in which the miscanthus grows best.
Soil : soil Type deep : land of corn deep and wet.
pH : Little challenging level (pH 5.5 to 7.5).
Water requirements important: 650 to 800 mm ofwater per year.
Temperature : annual average 8°C minimum.
Soil preparation : identical to a culture of spring.
Planting : march-April, when the temperature of the soil is of 8°C.
Density : Objective 13 – 15000 feet/ha live.
Sowing equipment : potato planter for planting, the rhizomes (style planter with potatoes)
Fertilizer :
N : No need nitrogen leading. /!\ ATTENTION : According to the final destination of the product, the nitrogen fertilization can cause problems with harvesting or marketing.
PK : Every 3 years old. sheets containing nutrients, fall to the ground.
Weed control : The control of weeds during the first two years is critical.
Pests : Attention to attack adult beetles (vigilance on former grassland or fallow).
Taupin : Miscanthus parasite
In the introduction of the cultivation of miscanthus, it is necessary to pay attention to the parasites already present in. The culture is sensitive to the insect that comes to perforate the rhizome.
The presence of adult beetles is also to be taken into consideration in the case of very high infestation after reversal of a meadow.
To date, no treatment is approved in the cultivation of miscanthus. In the event ofpest infestation too large, it will be better to postpone the planting.
Characteristics related to the harvest
Some concepts and practical techniques on the harvest of miscanthus
The first harvest of miscanthus giganteus can be done during the 2nd year. The maximum output will be reached during the 3rd year.
- Harvest period : Harvest ofautumn in anaerobic digestion
potential Yield : 20 t dm/ha/year from the 3rd year.
Harvested product : Leaves and stems still partially green.
Humidity important, > 35% and strong exports of minerals
- Harvest output from winter to early spring
potential Yield : 12 to 15t MS/ha/year from the 3rd year.
Harvested product : Stems only, the leaves have fallen and will yield the minerals.
Rate ofhumidity low (14% to 25% following condition harvesting), better quality.
- A single harvesting techniques :
Silage (type corn) with bec Kemper: low density (90 – 120 kg/m3).