Comparative response of spring and winter triticale productivity and bioethanol yield to fertilisation intensity

Abstract

ABSTRACTGrains of triticale are one of the feedstocks suitable for bioethanol production because they are characterised by high starch and low protein contents. In the present study, spring and winter triticale were comparatively studied to evaluate the influence of N fertilisation intensity on the productivity and bioethanol yield, as well as to assess the relationship between the meteorological factors and ethanol yield. Six treatments of N – 0, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 kg ha−1 were compared in spring triticale and in winter triticale crops. The analysis of variance showed that nitrogen level (factor A), year (factor B) and their interaction (A × B) significantly (P ≤ .01) influenced grain yield, starch yield and bioethanol yield of both spring and winter triticale. Fertilisation was the main factor explaining 47.6% and 41.0% of the total variability of bioethanol yield of spring and winter triticale, respectively. Nitrogen fertiliser rates 120–180 kg ha−1 resulted in maximum bioethanol yield of spring triticale (2417–2480 l ha−1) and winter triticale (4311–4420 l ha−1). Bioethanol conversion efficiency of nitrogen-fertilised spring and winter triticale was similar 492 l t−1 and 508 l −1, respectively. Meteorological factors had a greater impact on grain productivity and bioethanol yield for winter triticale than for spring triticale. Both seasonal types of triticale could be good feedstocks for bioethanol production in the areas with congenial weather conditions for their cultivation.