Abstract
The use of biofuels helps to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and therefore decreases CO2 emission. Ethanol mixed with gasoline in mandatory percentages has been used in many countries. However, production of ethanol mainly depends on food crops, commonly associated with problems such as governmental policies and social controversies. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the most potential and appropriate alternative crops for biofuel production because of its high biomass and sugar content, strong tolerance to environmental stress conditions and diseases, and wide adaptability to various soils and climates. The aim of this study was to select prospective varieties of sweet sorghum, optimum sowing times and densities to achieve high yields of ethanol production and to establish stable operational conditions in cultivating this crop. The summer-autumn cropping season combined with the sowing densities of 8.3–10.9 plant m−2 obtained the highest ethanol yield. Among cultivated locations, the soil with pH of 5.5 and contents of Al and Zn of 39.4 and 0.6 g kg−1, respectively, was the best condition to have an ethanol yield >5000 L ha−1. The pH ≥ 6.0 may be responsible for the significant reduction of zinc content in soils, which decreases both biomass of sweet sorghum and ethanol yield, while contents of N, P, K, organic carbon (OC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and Fe likely play no role. The cultivar 4A was the preferred candidate for ethanol production and resistant to pests and diseases, especially cut worm (Agrotis spp.).
Highlights
Air pollution can be reduced by oxygenating fuel for vehicles
From our previous trials testing the sweet sorghums in every month of the year for their growth and sugar content, we found that in northern Vietnam the sowing time between March-April gave the highest sugar contents and maximum sugar and biomass productivity
The stem yield, sugar content, and ethanol yield differed between locations
Summary
Air pollution can be reduced by oxygenating fuel for vehicles. Fischer et al [1] indicate that MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) is a member of a group of chemicals commonly acknowledged as fuel oxygenates, commonly used as and is a fuel additive used to raise the octane number in vehicle fuel. MTBE is very soluble in water and is reported as a possible human carcinogen [2]. Air pollution can be reduced by oxygenating fuel for vehicles. Fischer et al [1] indicate that MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) is a member of a group of chemicals commonly acknowledged as fuel oxygenates, commonly used as and is a fuel additive used to raise the octane number in vehicle fuel. MTBE is very soluble in water and is reported as a possible human carcinogen [2]. Thereby, it should be better replaced by other oxygenated compounds to enhance the octane number of the fuels. Sweet sorghum has the potential to reduce carbon emissions. This crop shows stronger tolerance than other crops under hot and dry climatic conditions. Its bagasse can be exploited as a byproduct including burning material for electronic generation, paper or fiber board manufacturing, silage for animal feed or fiber for ethanol production [5]
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