The biogas production from lucerne biomass in relation to term of harvest

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of delayed cut of lucerne on a biogas production in contrast to bud stage used for livestock feed. In 2009–2010, the dry matter (DM) yield, forage quality, substrate biogas yield (SBY, L/kg DM), and area biogas yield (ABY, m<sup>3</sup>/ha) was assessed in the first and second cut in late bud and late bloom stage. Results show that ABY from lucerne could be significantly increased by change in harvest management towards to delayed cuts. The average increases of DM yield in late bloom stage achieved approximately 50 and 35% in the first and second cut, respectively, whilst the maximal significant decrease of SBY in bloom stage ranged from 25 to 30% in comparison with bud stage. This effect of strong SBY decrease was not consistent across years and was related to crude protein content in forage. Lucerne probably would not play a dominant role in biogas production but its growing could be a suitable supplement for field biogas production due to lucerne non-productive function.