Virginia Fanpetals (Sida) Biomass Can be Used to Produce High‐Quality Bioenergy

Abstract

Core Ideas Sida’s biomass traits allow environmentally‐friendly bioenergy. Sulfur‐based K fertilizer significantly improved the quality. Sida biomass quality met the requirements of the German standards for bioenergy. Crop residues did not occur with perennial Sida cultivation. High water‐use efficiency crops that can be used to produce bioenergy are needed in the 21st century. Previous research has focused on maize stover (Zea mays L.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), Miscanthus (Miscanthus ssp.), and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. This list does not consider Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby), which is a perennial plant that has high water efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine if Virginia fanpetals can be cultivated to produce bioenergy, including ethanol. In this study, the impact of K source and N rates on the suitability of Virginia fanpetals biomass for bioenergy production was investigated. The crop Virginia fanpetals (also known as Sida) is a plant that can be used to produce bioenergy. However, the fertilizer and cultivation requirements of this plant are largely unknown. In research conducted between 2005 and 2007, the influence of two sources of K and two N rates on biomass composition was investigated. Fertilizer was applied each year after the beginning of the growing season. The crop was harvested in November. This work suggests that Sida biomass can be used to produce high‐quality pellets and second‐generation ethanol, and can meet close to 99% of the requirements of the European standards for biofuels.