Miscanthus Production in Eastern Canada as Affected by Genotypes and Nitrogen Levels

Abstract

Interest in new biomass and biofuel crops has soared in the last few years due to the changing climate and the search for renewable energy options. Under eastern Canada conditions, perennial C4 grasses can produce 8-11 Mg dry matter ha-1 year-1 [1,2]. However, Miscanthus spp. seems to be more promising with dry matter production values exceeding 30 Mg ha-1 year-1 [3,4]. In this study, four genotypes of hybrid miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis x M. sacchariflorus) were planted in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada in 2009. Genotypes “M1 Select”, “Nagara”, “Polish” and “Amuri” were established from rhizomes spaced at 75cm squares. The effect of four nitrogen rates (0, 40, 80 and 120kg N ha-1 year-1) was studied on growth and production parameters.The first summer and winter (with minimum temperatures reaching -40°C) were the most crucial for the establishment of the crop, and any plants that survived that first year have successfully established and regrew every year. Dry matter production generally increased with the level of nitrogen application and ranged between 25-50 Mg ha-1 year-1 in 2014. Genotype “Amuri” was the most productive while “M1 Select” was the least productive. Leaf area index increased with nitrogen application rate and was highest for “Nagara”. Similarly, leaf SPAD absorbance increased with nitrogen levels and was lower in “M1 Select” than the three other genotypes. Our results show the potential of miscanthus production under Canadian conditions with low nitrogen inputs.