Comparism of Biogas Production by Maize and Sorghum Staiks in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State: Implication for Household Energy Supply

Abstract

This study was undertaken to compare biogas production by maize and sorghum stalks for house hold energy supply in Pankshin local government area of Plateau state. An experimental research design was used. The experimental procedure included the growth of maize and sorghum stalks for two months (60 days) the stalks were selected and harvested while still succulents. The stalks were washed, cut into pieces using clean knives, pounded into pastes using mortar and pestles. An empty metal bucket with known weight was used, the pastes of each was weight and equal number of each bucket was put inside each digester accordingly from the top. The top was then sealed with super glue and the digesters were each painted with black oil paint. As a result of the size and volume of the digesters, the set up stayed for 14 days and being monitored daily. Findings indicate that for the Maize stalk there was no gas generated in day one as such the Bunsen burner did not burn. It burns for 50 seconds in day two, 1.5 minutes in day three and it rises steadily to 4 minutes in day eight. Then it started dropping to 3.5 minutes in day nine, 2.7 minutes in day ten, then it drops steadily to 0. 00 minute in day fifteen. For the Sorghum Stalk, days one and two no gas was generated as such the Bunsen burner did not burn. It burns for 1 minute in day three, 1.5 minutes in day four, then it rises steadily to 2.2 minutes for days 7 and 8 then to 2 minutes in day 9 then it started falling steadily to 0.00 minute in days 14 and 15. This implies that energy in form of biogas can be generated from maize and sorghum stalks. Exploring this can meet the increasing energy of man. Based on the results it was recommended amongst others the study can also be replicated with other varieties of common grass using standardized digesters. This is because grass is a weed and do not have other economic value like stalks from food crops. It was concluded that energy in form of biogas can be generated from maize and sorghum stalks. Exploring this can meet the increasing energy need of man. It is recommended that; the study can be carried out with the stalk of other crops such as rice, millet, cow pea and others.