Chemical Characterization of Cotton Plant Parts for Multiple Uses

Abstract

Core Ideas Cotton plant parts can be used for multiple purposes depending on their compositions. Cotton stems with less ash are better suited for lignocellulosic feedstock of bioenergy and bio‐products. Feed quality characteristics of cottonseed are comparable to those of forage crops. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important crop in the southern and southeastern parts of the United States, but cotton plant biomass residues are underutilized because the high‐value lint receives the most attention. In this study, whole cotton plants were collected at midseason and just before harvest and were chemically characterized to explore multiple uses. The plant samples were separated into six (midseason) or eight (pre‐defoliation for harvest) biomass fractions. We determined the macro‐ and trace elements, protein, fiber, and lignin contents in the biomass materials. Growth stages affected the relative contents of some, but not all, of the measured parameters. Correlation coefficient analysis of the measured data revealed that some of the parameters were well related to each other, whereas some were quite independent. The information reported in this work will be helpful in exploring and optimizing management practices and processing strategies for best utilization of these types of cotton crop biomass materials as renewable natural resources.