Comparing the Morphological Properties of Bambusa vulgaris (Bamboo) Culms across Three Ecological Zones in Ghana; Potential for Biofuel Production

Abstract

Abstract-- Bamboo is considered as a feedstock for the production of biofuels in the form of heat, transport fuels, gas, and electricity. This study compares the morphological properties of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. var, vulgaris) culms and their effects on biofuel production across three ecological zones in Ghana. Three clumps of bamboo were randomly selected and measured in each zone. Three (3) shoots, three (3) juvenile culms, five (5) matured culms and five (5) dead defects free (culms without splits) culm was extracted from three bamboo stands. All 48 samples were used to determine the morphological properties and their effect on biofuel. The clump sizes ranged from 512 to 622 cm. The biggest clump was recorded at the moist semideciduous (MSD) zone. However, the statistical result shows that clump sizes for the three zones were almost the same. The mean height of the bamboo culms varied from 10 to 14 m; internode distance from 35.36 to 40.17 mm. The mean culm diameter ranges from 7.95 to 9.51 mm and culm wall thickness from 9.31 to 13.36 mm. The mean culm tapered from the bottom to the top, however, some samples tapered from the middle portion to the top. Shorter internode distance and thicker culm wall thickness produced denser biomass feedstock with higher heating values. The selection of bamboo culms for the production of charcoal should be based on thicker culm wall thickness and shorter internode distance. Bamboo branches with a diameter less than 10mm, culms with a longer internode distance, and thinner walls less than 10 mm can be briquettes for charcoal. Mature and dead bamboo culms in any zone can be used for the production of biofuels. Keywords-- biofuel, biomass, bamboo culm, morphology, feedstock, clump size