Cultivation Of Miscanthus Research Articles

Using miscanthus and biochar as sustainable substrates in horticulture: An economic and carbon footprint assessment of their primary and cascading value chains

Conventional substrates like peat, stone wool and coconut coir are responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions in the horticultural sector, necessitating low-emission and cost-efficient alternatives. Herein, using miscanthus and biochar as substrate components as well as in cascading substrate application can be alternative practices in a sustainable bioeconomy. However, the carbon footprint and economic impacts of these practices in relation to crop yields have not yet been investigated. Hence, we combined life cycle carbon footprint assessment and costing to analyze the Global Warming Potential and value chain costs of horticultural substrates in tomato cultivation in North-Rhine Westphalia. We conducted a comparison between conventional substrates (peat, stone wool, and coconut coir) and single use and cascading miscanthus-based substrates with and without 1–2 % biochar addition of the miscanthus mass. Also, a subsequent scenario analysis was carried out to examine alterations in inputs and costs.Our results demonstrate that miscanthus-based substrates are climate-friendly and low-cost alternatives to the conventional practices. Switching to miscanthus-based substrates results in more emission savings than other input scenarios investigated. Additionally, incorporating biochar and adopting cascading methods contribute to lower emissions. Notably, biochar has the most significant impact, as its amount correlates with higher emission reductions. Additionally, costs for cascading miscanthus-based substrates are lower compared to conventional substrates. Overall, there is only a slight variance in costs between conventional and miscanthus-based substrates. However, with the introduction of carbon emission pricing and carbon removal certificates, miscanthus-based and biochar-containing substrates may emerge as more cost-efficient alternatives. Thus, by advancing financial instruments on carbon emissions and removal, introducing cascade use within and beyond the horticulture sector, and supporting cultivation of sustainable biomasses, miscanthus and biochar can effectively contribute to the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.

Economically justified technological map of the cultivation of giant miscanthus (on the example of the Kaluga region)

Relevance. Recently, the demand for paper of non-wood origin has increased. One of such sources is a perennial herbaceous plant Miscanthus giganteus from the bluegrass family.Methods. The technology of growing giant miscanthus was developed by scientists of the Kaluga Research Institute. The study was conducted in accordance with generally accepted methods and recommendations of leading technological and economic research institutes. Technological maps are calculated on the basis of the methods of M.A. Bunkov, V.M. Golovach, as well as E.V. Fastov, O.A. Kovalenko, N.G. Belova. The economic component of miscanthus production is calculated based on the methods of V.R. Boev and I.G. Ushachev.Results. During the calculations, it was found that the production of 1 ton of giant miscanthus straw according to the proposed production technology, with a planned yield of 15 tons/ha, will require 1,370 rubles. In the third year of using crop cultivation, the profitability of production, depending on the studied yield parameters (10, 15, 20 c/ha) is, respectively, 94,6%, 192,0%, 287,2%. The payback period of the project is five to eight years.

Social assessment of miscanthus cultivation in Croatia: Assessing farmers' preferences and willingness to cultivate the crop

AbstractSocial aspects of miscanthus cultivation have been investigated in a limited way in the scientific literature. Adopting existing frameworks for social life‐cycle assessment enables assessments to include numerous social aspects; however, the relevance of these aspects depends on the local context. This study aims to identify the most relevant social aspects from the farmers' perspective using a previously proposed framework for the assessment of the stakeholder ‘farmer’. It is based on a case study for miscanthus production in Sisak Moslavina in Croatia. The existence of abandoned lands in Croatia presents an opportunity for the cultivation of miscanthus as a potential source of biomass for the production of bio‐based materials and fuels. The study seeks to assess the feasibility of cultivating miscanthus in the region, taking into account potential challenges and opportunities, as well as farmers' willingness to adopt the crop, and to understand the reasons behind land abandonment. We conducted a survey among 44 farmers in the region and used a scoring method to identify the most relevant social aspects. The aspects most valued by the farmers were health and safety, access to water, land consolidation and rights, income and local employment, and food security. Responses to the question of whether they would adopt the crop highlight the importance of an established market, good trading conditions and profitability of cultivation. The survey also enabled an understanding of farmers' preferences with respect to the production conditions of crops. The farmers regarded the provision of subsidies as one of the main factors that render a crop attractive. Opportunities for the adoption of the miscanthus cultivation include high yields and low input requirements. Barriers include land conflicts and land availability. Despite the opportunities for miscanthus development in the region, there are important challenges to consider for successful implementation of the crop.

Complex methodology for optimizing local energy supply and overall resilience of rural areas: A case study of Agrovoltaic system with Miscanthus x giganteus plantation within the energy community in the Czech Republic

The article presents a proposal for a comprehensive methodology designed to increase the energy self-sufficiency and overall resilience of rural areas. The methodology aims to maximize the synergy and economic benefit of the agrovoltaic system with the cultivation of the energy crop Miscanthus x giganteus and its use for energy production in CHP sources within the local energy community. Primary data from Miscanthus × giganteus cultivation from long-term field trials and commercial plantations and initial agrovoltaic experiments were used. The analysed data show the high resistance and adaptability of Miscanthus × giganteus to climate change and confirm its expected long-term high yields of around 15 t DM ha−1 y−1 with a Higher Heating Value of 17–19 GJ t−1. The application of the methodology to a case study in the Czech Republic shows a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 40% (2 GWh) and a reduction in thermal energy consumption by more than 15% (4 GWh). The technical-economic analysis shows the high potential, financial and non-financial benefits of local production of energy fuels from biomass as part of subsequent production and energy distribution in the agrovoltaic field.

Using Landfill Sites and Marginal Lands for Socio-Economically Sustainable Biomass Production through Cultivation of Non-Food Energy Crops: An Analysis Focused on South Asia and Europe

Food security and energy transition are among the current major global environmental challenges. Although these issues individually are significant in their own right, they are connected to each other in a nexus with different interrelationships and dependencies. In the quest for non-fossil alternatives for energy, cultivation of bioenergy crops has become an important part of the energy policy in many countries. In this regard, the use of fertile agricultural land for growing crops for energy production rather than for food supply affects the global food security. Recent conflicts and the geopolitical crisis in Europe, leading to increased food, fuel, and fertiliser prices, the existing climate crisis, and the crisis caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have further reinforced the understanding of this nexus, with certain countries mulling limiting biofuel production from agricultural land and others banning food grain exports to safeguard food supply. The idea of growing non-food energy crops on marginal lands in general and closed landfill sites in particular is hence ever more relevant, to avoid land-use concurrence between food needs and energy needs. Landfilling has been the dominant waste management strategy until recently in European countries and is still the dominant mode of waste management in low-income regions like South Asia. This paper provides a review of the economic as well as environmental benefits of growing Ricinus communis L., Jatropha curcas L., and Populus deltoides as energy crops on closed landfill sites in the South Asian context. While as the cultivation of Miscanthus X Giganteus, Silphium perfoliatum L., and Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) is reviewed in the European context. The cultivation of non-food energy crops like these on closed landfill sites and marginal lands is presented as a potential component of an integrated food-energy policy, with an increased relevance in the current times. In the current times of multiple crises, this measure is of increasing relevance as a part of the overall strategy to achieve resilience and environmental sustainability.

Biomass yield in a genetically diverse Miscanthus sacchariflorus germplasm panel phenotyped at five locations in Asia, North America, and Europe

AbstractMiscanthus is a high‐yielding bioenergy crop that is broadly adapted to temperate and tropical environments. Commercial cultivation of Miscanthus is predominantly limited to a single sterile triploid clone of Miscanthus × giganteus, a hybrid between Miscanthus sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. To expand the genetic base of M. × giganteus, the substantial diversity within its progenitor species should be used for cultivar improvement and diversification. Here, we phenotyped a diversity panel of 605 M. sacchariflorus from six previously described genetic groups and 27 M. × giganteus genotypes for dry biomass yield and 16 yield‐component traits, in field trials grown over 3 years at one subtropical location (Zhuji, China) and four temperate locations (Foulum, Denmark; Sapporo, Japan; Urbana, Illinois; and Chuncheon, South Korea). There was considerable diversity in yield and yield‐component traits among and within genetic groups of M. sacchariflorus, and across the five locations. Biomass yield of M. sacchariflorus ranged from 0.003 to 34.0 Mg ha−1 in year 3. Variation among the genetic groups was typically greater than within, so selection of genetic group should be an important first step for breeding with M. sacchariflorus. The Yangtze 2x genetic group (=ssp. lutarioriparius) of M. sacchariflorus had the tallest and thickest culms at all locations tested. Notably, the Yangtze 2x genetic group's exceptional culm length and yield potential were driven primarily by a large number of nodes (>29 nodes culm−1 average over all locations), which was consistent with the especially late flowering of this group. The S Japan 4x, the N China/Korea/Russia 4x, and the N China 2x genetic groups were also promising genetic resources for biomass yield, culm length, and culm thickness, especially for temperate environments. Culm length was the best indicator of yield potential in M. sacchariflorus. These results will inform breeders' selection of M. sacchariflorus genotypes for population improvement and adaptation to target production environments.

The True Costs and Benefits of Miscanthus Cultivation

Agroecosystems provide numerous ecosystem services (ESs) such as provisioning, regulating, habitat and cultural services. At the same time, the management of these agroecosystems can cause various negative impacts on the environment such as the generation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the way humans manage agroecosystems often focuses only on the production of agricultural goods, which yield monetary benefits in the short term but do not include the positive and negative external effects on ESs. In order to enable a holistic assessment of the economic and environmental costs and benefits, the current study combines the production costs, the monetary value of the ESs provided and the monetization of the environmental impacts caused by the management of agroecosystems using the perennial crop miscanthus as an example. Depending on the scenario assessed, the cultivation of miscanthus leads to a net benefit of 140 to 3051 EUR ha−1 yr−1. The monetary value of the ESs provided by the miscanthus cultivation thereby considerably outweighs the internal and external costs. The approach applied allows for a holistic assessment of the benefits and costs of agroecosystems and thus enables management decisions that are not only based on the biomass yield but include the various interactions with the environment.

Study of Chemical Composition of an Industrial Crop for Russia – Miscanthus Ч giganteus Harvested in 2019–2021

A chemical composition assessment was performed on a industrial crop in Russia, Miscanthus Ч giganteus harvested in 2019–2021. It was found that, regardless of the habitat, after the second year of vegetation, Miscanthus Ч giganteus has a cellulose content exceeding 50 %, which makes it a cellulose-based material. The positive impact of Miscanthus Ч giganteus on the environment was demonstrated. Cultivation of Miscanthus Ч giganteus regulates CO2 exchange, and its processing into cellulose, biofuels and high-tech products will reduce deforestation.

Implications of large‐scale miscanthus cultivation in water protection areas: A Life Cycle Assessment with model coupling for improved policy support

AbstractTwo major global challenges related to agriculture are climate change and the unbalanced nitrogen cycle. For both, national and international reduction targets have been defined to catalyse policy support for more sustainable farming systems. Miscanthus cultivation in water protection areas has been proposed as a contribution to achieving these targets. However, a thorough understanding of the underlying system dynamics at various spatial levels is required before recommendations for policy development can be provided. In this study, a model framework was established to provide economic and environmental indicator results at regional and sub‐regional levels. It presents a consequential Life Cycle Assessment coupled with an agro‐economic supply model (Economic Farm Emission Model) that simulates crop and livestock production, and an agricultural hydrology model (DAISY) that assesses effects on the nitrogen cycle. The framework is applied to Baden‐Württemberg, a federal state in southwest Germany with eight agro‐ecological regions. Scenarios investigating the differences between mandatory and voluntary miscanthus cultivation were also explored. While the results show the high potential of miscanthus cultivation for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (−16% to −724%), the potential to reduce nitrate leaching (−4% to −44%) is compromised in some sub‐regions and scenarios (+4% to +13%) by substantial effects on the crop rotation. Furthermore, the cultivation of miscanthus reduces gross margins in most sub‐regions (−0.1% to −9.6%) and decreases domestic food production (−1% to −50%). However, in regions with low livestock density and high yields, miscanthus cultivation can maintain or increase farmers' income (0.1%–5.8%) and improve environmental protection. The study shows that the heterogeneity of arable land requires a flexible promotion programme for miscanthus. Voluntary cultivation schemes were identified as most suitable to capture sub‐regional differences. Policies should address the demand for miscanthus, for example, support the development of regional value chains, including farmers, water suppliers and the biobased industry.

The Short-Term Effects of Amendments on Nematode Communities and Diversity Patterns under the Cultivation of Miscanthus × giganteus on Marginal Land

The short-term effects of soil amendments on the structure, diversity and function of a nematode community of Miscanthus × giganteus was investigated. Crop was cultivated on marginal, nutrient-poor land amended with biochar in single and double doses (BD1 and BD2), biogas digestate (D), sewage sludge (SS), and hemicellulose waste (HW). Sampling was done after planting, in the middle and end of vegetation; morphology-based approach was used. 28 nematode taxa were identified, including 5 bacterivores genera, 4 fungivores genera, 5 herbivores genera (11 species), 2 omnivores genera, 5 predators genera. The general linear models, correspondence analysis and clustering were applied for evaluation. The total abundance of nematode taxa Filenchus, Dorylaimus, Cephalobus, Panagrolaimus, Aphelenchus, and Ditylenchus was depended on the sampling time and amendments. The incorporation of amendments affected nematode food web and resulted in suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). It was revealed that community structure was more mature for SS, less stable for D and had inconclusive effects for BD1, BD2, and HW. Using amendments ensured pest control benefits which is important given concern that PPNs can inflict crop damage during increased cultivation of M × g. Further research is needed to examine amendments which can minimise PPNs without reducing populations of nitrogen-fixing bacterivores and fungivores.

Influence of Growing Miscanthus x giganteus on Ecosystem Services of Chernozem

The paper investigates the optimization of ecosystem services of podzolized heavy loamy chernozem (black soil) as a result of the cultivation of the perennial energy culture of Miscanthus x giganteus. The research was conducted on an experimental land plot during 2016–2021. No fertilization was applied to the soil during the experiments, and over the years of research, the growing seasons were accompanied by abnormal droughts, but even under such conditions, the plants of Miscanthus x giganteus gradually increased their yield. At the initial stage of research, in the third year of cultivation, dry biomass of Miscanthus x giganteus was obtained at 14.3 t/ha, in the fourth year–18.6 t/ha, and already in the fifth and sixth years, 21.7 and 24.5 t/ha, respectively. That is, energy-wise, the harvest for the last year was equivalent to 15.9 tons of coal or 12,618 m3 of natural gas. Cultivation of Miscanthus x giganteus on black soil for six years has improved the provision of its ecosystem services, regulation, and ecosystem maintenance services. The possibility of growing perennial energy crops on agricultural soils has been proven by obtaining a significant amount of biomass and a positive phytoremediation effect on the soil by reducing erosion, preserving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and sustainably improving the ecological situation.

An Assessment of the Effects of Applying Ash from the Thermal Disposal of Sewage Sludge for Fertilizing Energy Plants Using the Example of Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis giganteus)

The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using ash from the thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge as a fertilizer in the cultivation of giant miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis giganteus) for energy purposes. An attempt was also made to determine the optimal level of fertilization with ash from the thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge in the commodity cultivation of miscanthus. It was assumed that the ash produced after thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge could replace conventional mineral fertilizers. To prove the thesis, laboratory experiments of the miscanthus cultivation miscanthus were carried out. The results allowed to determine the optimal fertilization dose for miscanthus to be used in the next stage of the field research. Miscanthus does not pose a succession threat due to the method of reproduction in central Europe; therefore, its cultivation may remain under control. The research showed that for fertilization of miscanthus × giganteus crops, the ashes from thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge could be used effectively. In experimental crops, it was shown that the optimal level of miscanthus fertilization in terms of yield was 8.32 g of ash per pot and 0.1 g of nitrogen per pot. As a result of laboratory tests, based on biometric features, the most favorable dose of ash and nitrogen fertilization from thermal utilization of municipal sewage sludge for use in field conditions was selected. The dose amounted to 3.7 t of ash∙ha−1 and 45 kg of nitrogen∙ha−1. In order to reduce the costs of cultivation, it was possible to abandon the use of nitrogen fertilizers since their omission did not cause a significant drop in yield. It is necessary to continue research in the field in order to confirm the correctness of the results obtained from laboratory tests.

Estimating the Genetic Parameters of Flowering Time-Related Traits in a Miscanthus sinensis Population Tested with a Staggered-Start Design

The cultivation of Miscanthus has attracted growing interest despite its yield instability. Therefore, understanding what causes such instability is of primary interest for breeding. Our objectives were to estimate the genetic parameters—genetic variance and genetic heritability—and genetic correlations for flowering time-related traits in a biparental Miscanthus sinensis diploid population, and divide the year effect into age and growing season effects using a staggered-start design. The population was established with single plants organized with this design and consisted of two genotype groups established twice in a same field, in 2014 and 2015, with a total of 159 genotypes and 82 common genotypes between the groups. Soil conditions being identical between both stands, the growing season conditions corresponded to climatic conditions. All plants were extensively phenotyped for different panicle and anther emergence traits in 2018 and 2019. All traits were delayed by 3 weeks in 2019 compared to 2018, which was explained by climatic conditions that occurred before the floral transition, mainly a 3 °C decrease in temperatures. When dividing the year effect, the genotype × growing season interaction was much higher than the genotype × age interaction. This increased the genotype × growing season interaction variance compared to the genotype × age interaction variance: the growing season effect decreased the genetic parameters for all flowering time-related traits, up to 20% for broad-sense heritability. Interestingly, most traits responded similarly to this effect. Therefore, M. sinensis breeding for flowering time must be conducted under contrasted climatic conditions to select more stable genotypes.

Nitrogen Immobilisation and Microbial Biomass Build-Up Induced by Miscanthus x giganteus L. Based Fertilisers

Cultivation of Miscanthus x giganteus L. (Mis) with annual harvest of biomass could provide an additional C source for farmers. To test the potential of Mis-C for immobilizing inorganic N from slurry or manure and as a C source for soil organic matter build-up in comparison to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw (WS), a greenhouse experiment was performed. Pot experiments with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were set up to investigate the N dynamics of two organic fertilisers based on Mis at Campus Klein-Altendorf, Germany. The two fertilisers, a mixture of cattle slurry and Mis as well as cattle manure from Mis-bedding material resulted in a slightly higher N immobilisation. Especially at the 1st and 2nd harvest, they were partly significantly different compared with the WS treatments. The fertilisers based on Mis resulted in a slightly higher microbial biomass C and microbial biomass N and thus can be identified as an additional C source to prevent nitrogen losses and for the build-up of soil organic matter (SOM) in the long-term.

EFFICIENCY OF GROWING ENERGY CROPS AND THEIR PROCESSING INTO BIOFUELS IN THE CONTEXT OF ENSURING ENERGY AUTONOMY OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

The article substantiates that the lack of a single interpretation of the concept of «energy crops» leads to difficulties in approaches to state incentives for the development of their production. It is determined that domestic scientists understand energy crops as a rule, as crops, grown for the use exclusively for energy purposes (willow, poplar, miscanthus, switchgrass, etc.). The classification of bioenergy crops by such features as: growing cycle, type, characteristics and the final product obtained, origin is considered. It has been proved that growing of energy crops will have a positive effect for the economy (improving the state balance of payments, reducing energy costs, economic growth) and the environment (decarbonization, reducing emissions, land reclamation, etc.). The characteristics of energy crops in relation to growing conditions are given and a review of plant varieties for bioenergy use from the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine in 2021 is made. The peculiarities of the technology of growing giant miscanthus, energy willow and poplar are considered; economic calculations of efficiency of cultivation of miscanthus on one hectare are resulted. The experience in growing energy crops by the Yaltushkivka Research and Breeding Station, where miscanthus and energy willow plantations were laid in 2017 and the crops are used for self-sufficiency in energy resources, is analyzed. Options for growing and further use of energy crops as fuel, including the sale of energy crops and biofuels based on them, as well as use for energy autonomy (direct combustion or production of pellets / briquettes with their further use within the enterprise) is considered. The choice of the most economically viable option depends on the specific conditions of the agricultural enterprises.

Biofuels from perennial energy crops on buffer strips: A win-win strategy

The objective of this work was to assess the environmental performances of advanced biofuels produced from perennial energy crops (miscanthus and willow) grown in bioenergy buffer strips (BBS) and compare them with the environmental performances of alternative systems providing the same function, i.e. private mobility. The growing evidence of potentially negative environmental impacts of bioenergy pathways calls for renewed efforts in identifying win-win bioenergy pathways, thus capable of mitigating climate change without worsening other environmental impacts. An holistic approach encompassing all the relevant areas of environmental concern is thus fundamental to highlight environmental trade-offs. Therefore, in this study we follow an attributional Life Cycle Assessment approach, but our analysis includes detailed modelling of biogenic carbon pools, nutrients cycles, infrastructures’ impacts as well as the expansion of the system boundaries to include the fuel use. We find that the fragmented and linear configuration of the buffer strips does not affect significantly the GHG emissions of lignocellulosic ethanol for BBS compared to growing the crops in open field. Additionally, we find that ethanol from perennials grown in BBS has the potential to reduce several other environmental impacts associated to private mobility. Firstly, the cultivation of miscanthus and willow in BBS enables both the removal of nutrients from the environment and the removal of carbon from the atmosphere, through the creation of an additional terrestrial sink. Secondly, when compared to the use of fossil gasoline, bioethanol from BBS crops generates lower impacts on all other areas of environmental concern, such as resources depletion or air pollution.We also find that cars fuelled with bioethanol form buffer strips perform even better than electric vehicles in all the impact categories analysed except for acidification and particulate matter emissions, where battery electric vehicles running on renewables perform slightly better.We conclude that bioethanol from perennial crops grown in BBS is a good example of nature-based solution, able to reduce GHG emissions without shifting the environmental burden on other areas of environmental concern.

The influence of perennial bioenergy crops on the soil fertility restoration

It was found that long-term cultivation of perennial cereal bioenergy plants has a positive effect on the fertility of low-yielding soils. Thus, for the cultivation of switchgrass for nine years, the content of organic carbon in the soil increased from 1.87 to 2.40%, and for the cultivation of giant miscanthus for six years from 1.87 to 2.42%. Conclusions. Laying plantations of perennial cereal bioenergy plants on low-yielding and erosion-prone lands helps to restore their fertility and provides a sustainable supply of high quality feedstock for the production of biofuels.

Bioprospecting of a Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus Altitudinis KP-14 for Enhancing Miscanthus × giganteus Growth in Metals Contaminated Soil.

Simple SummaryMarginal land represents poor soil with low agricultural characteristics and crop productivity, which is sometimes additionally contaminated. The exploitation of marginal land for normal agriculture is not possible but it suitable for cultivation of energy crops, especially Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg), however, the harvest biomass value in such land is lower. The produced Mxg biomass can be converted to alternative energy like biofuel and biogas, or used for production of other value-added products like insulation fibers, building materials or paper, etc. It is well known fact that plant growth-promoting bacteria are beneficial for stimulating the overall development of plants even under stress conditions. In the current study, a number of strains were isolated from the metal-contaminated post-mining land, identified, biochemically characterized, and evaluated for abiotic stress tolerance: pH, temperature, salinity, and heavy metal (lead). Among different isolates, the multiple abiotic stress-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria Bacillus altitudinis KP-14 showed the best properties. Its effect on the growth of Mxg under the severe stress of metal-contaminated soil was evaluated. It was found that selected bacterial strain KP-14 significantly enhanced the biomass production. The overall results suggested that B. altitudinis KP-14 can be recommended as a potent biofertilizer for marginal lands.Use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) for cultivation of the biofuel crop Miscanthus × giganteus (Mxg) in post-military and post-mining sites is a promising approach for the bioremediation of soils contaminated by metals. In the present study, PGPB were isolated from contaminated soil and screened for tolerance against abiotic stresses caused by salinity, pH, temperature, and lead (Pb). Selected strains were further assessed and screened for plant growth-promoting attributes. The isolate showing the most potential, Bacillus altitudinis KP-14, was tested for enhancement of Mxg growth in contaminated soil under greenhouse conditions. It was found to be highly tolerant to diverse abiotic stresses, exhibiting tolerance to salinity (0–15%), pH (4–8), temperature (4–50 °C), and Pb (up to 1200 ppm). The association of B. altitudinis KP-14 with Mxg resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.001) impact on biomass enhancement: the total shoot and dry root weights were significantly enhanced by 77.7% and 55.5%, respectively. The significant enhancement of Mxg biomass parameters by application of B. altitudinis KP-14 strongly supports the use of this strain as a biofertilizer for the improvement of plant growth in metal-contaminated soils.

Multiyear phytoremediation and dynamic of foliar metal(loid)s concentration during application of Miscanthus \xd7 giganteus Greef et Deu to polluted soil from Bakar, Croatia

The multiyear cultivation of Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu (M.×giganteus) at the soils polluted by metal(loid)s were researched. The biomass parameters and concentrations of elements: Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, and Mo were determined in the plant’s organs at harvest. The same metal(loid)s were monitored in the plant’s leaves throughout three vegetation seasons. The principal component analysis and general linear model approaches were applied for statistical evaluation followed by Box-Cox transformation. The difference in the distribution of elements in the plant, the content of elements in the soil, various regime of uptake to the plant tissues, and the year of vegetation were analyzed as driving factors of the phytoremediation. The results showed that the leading promoter was the factor of the zone, which was the most essential for Ti, Fe, and Cu and the smallest for Mn. The factor of differences in soil pollution was essential for Zn and Mo, much less for As, Sr, and Mn, limited for Fe, and was not seen for Ti and Cu. The factor of the interrelation effects of the zone and experiment reflected the different regime of uptake for the plant tissues was seen for two elements: more prominent for Cu and smaller for Ti. While analyzing the dynamic of foliar concentrations of the metal(loid)s during 3 years, two groups were defined. Firstly, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Sr showed stable curves with limited distribution of the plant life cycle. Secondly, As, Zn, Cu, and Mo showed different fluctuations in the curves, which can be attributed to essential influence of those elements to the plant life cycle. Further research will be focused on the application of M.×giganteus to the polluted soil in a bigger scale and comparison results of laboratory and field experiments.

Socio-Economic Opportunities from Miscanthus Cultivation in Marginal Land for Bioenergy

Substantial areas of agricultural land in south European countries are becoming increasingly marginal and being abandoned due to arid climate with prolonged summers and low rainfall. Perennial, lignocellulosic crops, such as Miscanthus, offer an outlet that couples agriculture with energy, creates employment, and increases profits from feedstock production in rural areas. This research paper follows an Input Output methodology and uses an econometric model to investigate the impact of crop yielding performance and marginal land to jobs and profit from the cultivation and supply of Miscanthus in low quality, marginal land in Italy and Greece. Two value chain cases are analysed: small scale Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Fast Pyrolysis Bio Oil (FPBO). The cultivation of Miscanthus in both reference value chains exhibits good employment prospects, with smaller scale value chains creating more labour-intensive logistics operations. The activities can also generate substantial financial profit especially with higher crop yields. Results show a pronounced relationship between profitability and crop yield for both reference value chains - cultivation and supply operations become more profitable with increasing yield. It is, therefore, important to achieve higher yields through good cropping practices, while maintaining high levels of environmental sustainability.