Abstract
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) accumulates fermentable sugars in the stem and is increasingly being studied as a potential source of feedstock for bioethanol production. The objective of this study was to evaluate biomass and grain yield in five sweet sorghum cultivars (Dale, M81E, Sugar Drip, Della and Keller) and to determine quality of extractable juice and grain. Randomized complete block experiments were performed in the summer of 2009, 2010, and 2011. Leaf dry weight varied with year and cultivar and averaged 6177 kg·ha-1. Fresh stem weight ranged from 21 to 54 Mg·ha-1 with a mean across years and cultivars of 32.9 Mg·ha-1. Variations in stem weight were correlated with extractable juice volumes that ranged from 10 to 24 m3·ha-1. Juice Brix values fell within a narrow range (14% - 19%) across years and cultivars with an average of 15.6%. In all production years, theoretical sugar and ethanol yield were always numerically higher for Keller and M81E. Grain yield was lowest in Keller (90 kg·ha-1), but ranged from 400 to 1300 kg·ha-1 in other cultivars with a mean of 584 kg·ha-1 across years. However, Keller had the highest starch content with a lower proportion of resistant starch in the grain. Except for Keller, the cultivars tested are potential sources of both fermentable sugars and grain.
Highlights
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), a warm season tropical grass is reported to be the most widely adapted species among cereal grasses that perform favorably in dry environments [1]
Variations in stem weight were correlated with extractable juice volumes that ranged from 10 to 24 m3·ha−1
In 2010, M81E produced 16,820 kg·ha−1 of leaf, about twice as much as that produced by Dale, Della, and Keller and a 5-fold increase compared to Sugar Drip
Summary
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), a warm season tropical grass is reported to be the most widely adapted species among cereal grasses that perform favorably in dry environments [1]. Several characteristics make sweet sorghum suitable for bioenergy: 1) A short growth cycle (about four months) that may allow for double cropping; 2) Easy propagation from seed; 3) Potential for fully mechanized production; 4) Dual purpose cropping for both stem sugar and grain starch; 5) High water and nutrient use efficiency; 6) Byproduct (bagasse and forage) utilization for energy production; 7) Wide adaptability to different environments [8,9] Because it matures and is harvested in a single season, it has better return on a unit land area basis as compared to sugarcane [8,10,11]
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