Characteristics and Compositional Variation in Round and Square Sorghum Bales Under Different Storage Conditions

Abstract

Abstract: The dry matter loss during storage of biomass is one of the crucial factors that effect the final yield of ethanol. This study evaluated the dry matter loss and changes in chemical composition of round and square sorghum bales under various storage conditions. Forage sorghum was harvested and field dried to a moisture content of approximately 11 %. The biomass was packaged in square and round bales and subjected to different storage treatments: inside and outside. The outside treatment included storage of bales on pallets covered with tarps, and storage on pallets and on the ground without tarps. After six months in storage, samples from each bale were analyzed for variation in chemical constituents, dry matter, and moisture content. Square bales stored outside on the ground lost the maximum amount (12.6 %) of dry matter, and round bales stored inside lost the minimum amount (4.67 %). There was a significant increase in ADL and ADF content of stored sorghum samples. No significant change was observed for mineral and cellulose content.