Effect of Irrigation on the Content of Cellulose in Proso Millet Stalk (Panicum miliaceum L.) in Aydın/Turkey Conditions

Abstract

Proso millet stalks are an under-utilized material that remains after the harvest. Given the share of large proso millet stalks in total production in Turkey, more than 8% of stalks could be easily available as a raw material in the fabrication of fuels. Unlike corn, proso millet stalks are not used as green fodder or silage due to the higher cellulose content and smaller green leaves for animal feeding. In this study, the usability of proso millet plant as a biofuel material due to this feature was tested in terms of the chemical parameters such as cellulose, lignin and some other nutritional elements. The impact on the plants grown and harvested materials parameters by applying control (non-irrigated) and four irrigation levels (50%, 75%, 100% and 125%) was investigated. Results of the study show that the highest values were obtained for 125% irrigation level.