Abstract
Agroforestry, as an improved cropping system, offers some advantages in terms of yield, biodiversity, erosion protection or habitats for beneficial insects. It can fulfill the actual sustainability requirements for bioenergy production like food supply, nature conservation, stop of deforestation. However, competition between intercropped species for water, nutrients and light availability has to be carefully considered. A field trial with shading nets was conducted in Southwest Germany to evaluate the influence of different shading levels (−12, −26, and −50% of full sunlight) on biomass growth, dry matter yield and biogas quality parameters of maize (Zea mays L., cv. ‘Corioli CS’). Shading the plants causes a delayed development, a reduction in height and leaf area index and a slower senescence. Dry matter yields were reduced about 18%, 19%, and 44% compared to 21.05 Mg ha−1 year−1 at full sunlight. Biogas and methane yields were also significantly reduced, the 50% shading treatment showed a reduction of 45% for both parameters. Further, shading led to higher crude protein and crude ash contents. If silage maize is grown under shade, the yields of dry matter, biogas, and methane are nearly halved under 50% shade. Cultivation up to 26% shading could be possible.
Highlights
By 2020, 20% of the produced energy in Europe must be generated from renewable sources [1].the area of plants grown for biogas production is steadily increasing
Our study showed that maize only showed a significant reduction in height and leaf area index (LAI) at 50% shade
The results indicated that shading maize at a level of 50% reduced the dry matter biomass yields up to nearly 50%
Summary
By 2020, 20% of the produced energy in Europe must be generated from renewable sources [1]. Besides the impact of shade on maize growth and, final biomass, a reduction of light has an impact on plant composition components. Jia et al [28] observed an increase in protein and fat content in maize grains under a 55% light reduction. High contents of sugar and protein can cause acidification, resulting in an inhibition of biogas and methane production [32]. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no published study investigating the effects and quality of biogas yield from shaded plants will be lower than in plants grown under full solar of shade on maize and, the impactthere of biogas andno methane yields. Forming parameters; and, (iii) determine the effect of these shade levels on the final biogas and methane yield (iii) determine the effect these shade levels on the biogas and methane yield. forming parameters; and, (iii) determine the effect of these shade levels on the final biogas and methane yield
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