A comparative analysis of perennial grass–legume mixtures for biomethane production

Abstract

Examining the case of Lithuania, this study comparatively analyzed five perennial grass–legume mixtures in terms of biomethane production. Every mixture was divided into two parts: long (during the fifth year or beyond) and short (during the first four years) time periods. The analysis includes three types of perennial bell grass: Timothy, P. Ryegrass, C. Cocksfoot, and one legume grass Red clover. With this study, we aimed to evaluate how perennial grass–legume mixtures can promote biomethane uptake in Lithuania. Through analyzing the efficiency and consequences of government subsidy measures, this study aimed to address the question of how governmental assistance can promote the growth of the biomethane industry, specifically focusing on the utilization of perennial grass–legume mixtures. This study used seven financial indicators, including subsiding policy, in order to gain a deeper understanding of mixtures for biomethane production. The analysis revealed that the best mixtures for biomethane production with subsidies were the second (Red clover 35 % + Timothy 45 % + Ryegrass 20 % grass mixture) and fourth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Ryegrass 45 % grass mixture). The first (Red clover 35 %. + Timothy 25 % + Ryegrass 20 % + Cocksfoot 20 % grass mixture), third (Red clover 55 % + Timothy 45 % grass mixture), and fifth scenarios (Red clover 55 % + Cocksfoot 45 % grass mixture) had the smallest positive effects. The results showed that, in Lithuania, in order to encourage farmers to produce biomethane, subsidy policies are needed. Incentives for engaging with this activity are necessary, as the income earned does not cover the costs incurred; unfortunately, biomethane production is unprofitable without subsidy. As such, our recommendation is to develop a long-term subsidy policy to promote biomethane production, focusing on the effectiveness, particularly in the Lithuanian context, of utilizing mixtures of perennial grasses. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address the opportunities associated with scaling synergy between perennial energy cops and environmental sustainability in bioenergy crop cultivation.