Dry Lignin Research Articles

Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Valuable Feed for Ruminants Using White Rot Fungi.

White rot fungi can degrade lignin and improve the nutritional value of highly lignified biomass for ruminants. We screened for excellent fungi-biomass combinations by investigating the improvement of digestibility of wheat straw, barley straw, oat straw, rapeseed straw, miscanthus, new reed, spent reed from thatched roofs, and cocoa shells after colonisation by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora (CS), Lentinula edodes (LE), and Pleurotus eryngii (PE) (indicated by increased in vitro gas production [IVGP]). First, growth was evaluated for three fungi on all types of biomass, over a period of 17 days in race tubes. CS grew faster than LE and PE on all types of biomass. LE did not grow on cocoa shells, while growth rate of CS and PE on cocoa shells was lower compared to other types of biomass. After this first screening, all types of biomass, excluding the cocoa shells, were colonised by the three fungal strains for 8 weeks. Treatment with CS and LE improved IVGP more than treatment with PE. Methane production was reduced in six combinations of biomass with CS, four with LE, and three with PE. Six types of biomass were selected for treatment with CS and four were selected for treatment with CS and LE, to determine the net improvement of nutritional value (increased IVGP corrected for dry matter loss) after 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 weeks of treatment. The highest net improvement was found for CS and LE treated rapeseed straw (86% and 20%, respectively) and spent reed (80% and 43%, respectively). All treatments decreased dry matter, lignin and hemicellulose, the latter two both in absolute amount and content. In conclusion, net improvement of highly lignified biomasses by CS was greater than LE, with the nutritional value of rapeseed straw and spent reed being significantly improved by both fungi.

Assessment of feeding hydroponic fodder on growth and reproduction performance in Black Bengal goat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroponic fodder on the growth and reproductive performance of Black Bengal goats in East Champaran, Bihar, during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. A total of 24 goats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C) with extensive grazing, gram straw, concentrate feed, and green fodder; Treatment 1 (T1) receiving C + 300g/day of wheat hydroponic fodder; Treatment 2 (T2) with 300g/day of maize hydroponic fodder alone; and Treatment 3 (T3) receiving C + a combination of 150g/day of wheat and 150g/day of maize hydroponic fodder. Each group comprised 6 animals. The nutrient composition analysis revealed that wheat hydroponic fodder had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of dry matter, crude protein, and lignin, whereas maize contained higher nitrogen-free extract, crude fiber, ether extract, and ash. In terms of growth performance, T3 showed the highest body weight gain and daily weight gain, outperforming T2, T1, and the control group (P < 0.05). Though differences between T2 and T3 were not significant (P > 0.05) across both years, T3 consistently exhibited better performance. Reproductive performance indicators, such as age at puberty, age of first kidding, and kid mortality rates, were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in T3, T1, and the control group compared to T2. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between T2 and T3 in these parameters. T3 also showed the highest kidding size and birth weight of kids (P < 0.05), followed by T2, T1, and the control group. The cost of feed per kilogram of body weight gain was lowest in T3, followed by T2, T1, and the control. In conclusion, the combination of maize and wheat hydroponic fodder (T3) resulted in better growth and reproductive performance compared to feeding maize or wheat hydroponic fodder alone. Furthermore, this feeding strategy reduced the cost per kilogram of live weight gain, indicating its potential for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of goat farming systems in the region.

Water and Fertilizer Management Is an Important Way to Synergistically Enhance the Yield, Rice Quality and Lodging Resistance of Hybrid Rice.

This study comprehensively investigated the synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms of optimized water and fertilizer management on the yield, quality, and lodging resistance of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa), through a two-year field experiment. Two hybrid rice varieties, Xinxiangliangyou 1751 (XXLY1751) and Yueliangyou Meixiang Xinzhan (YLYMXXZ), were subjected to three irrigation methods (W1: wet irrigation, W2: flooding irrigation, W3: shallow-wet-dry irrigation) and four nitrogen fertilizer treatments (F1 to F4 with application rates of 0, 180, 225, and 270 kg ha-1, respectively). Our results revealed that the W1F3 treatment significantly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation, laying a robust foundation for high yield and quality. NSC accumulation not only supported rice growth but also directly influenced starch and protein synthesis, ensuring smooth grain filling and significantly improving yield and quality. Moreover, NSC strengthened stem fullness and thickness, converting them into structural carbohydrates such as cellulose and lignin, which substantially increased stem mechanical strength and lodging resistance. Statistical analysis demonstrated that water and fertilizer treatments had significant main and interactive effects on photosynthetic rate, dry matter accumulation, yield, quality parameters, NSC, cellulose, lignin, and stem bending resistance. This study reveals the intricate relationship between water and fertilizer management and NSC dynamics, providing valuable theoretical and practical insights for high-yield and high-quality cultivation of hybrid rice, significantly contributing to the sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Potential use of pineapple crop residue silage to replace sorghum silage for crossbred lactating cows

The use of crop residue silages is a viable alternative for producers to reduce feed costs. The present study was developed with the objective of investigating the inclusion of pineapple silage in replacement of sorghum silage in the diet of lactating cows regarding feed intake, production, and quality of milk. Eight crossbred (Holstein × Gir) cows with an average weight of 555±30 kg and an average milk yield of 12.50±3.25 kg/day, between 60 and 90 days in milk, were distributed into two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares, at one animal per experimental unit. Silage of pineapple crop residue (PS) using plants after the harvest of the fruits was included in the roughage portion of the diet at increasing levels, with simultaneous and proportional removal of sorghum silage (SS) from the diets. The studied treatments thus consisted of the roughage portion containing: 1- 0% PS and 100% SS (100SS); 2- 34% PS and 66% SS (34PS66SS); 3- 67% PS and 33% SS (67PS33SS); 4- 100% PS and 0% SS (100PS). The diets were supplied twice daily, allowing 5% leftovers in relation to the quantity offered. The amounts of feed supplied, and orts of each animal were weighed for a subsequent determination of intake. The experiment was divided into four 21-day sub-periods, the first 14 days of which were used as an adaptation to the diet, while the others served for data collection. The milk was weighed from the 15th to the 19th day of each experimental period, and milk samples were collected on the last day of each period. Milk samples were sent to the laboratory, where they were analyzed. Dry matter, mineral matter, and lignin concentrations in the diet did not vary (P&gt;0.05) as a function of PS inclusion in the roughage portion, while protein content, fiber content, and fat content levels were influenced. No effect of PS inclusion was observed (P&gt;0.05) on the intakes of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, mineral material, or lignin. However, PS inclusion prompted (P&lt;0.05) a linear increase in the intakes of protein and total fat. The inclusion of pineapple plant silage in the roughage part of the diet had a positive effect (P&lt;0.05) on milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, and on the milk fat and total solids contents. Milk production, as well as fat and total solids content, increased moderately with inclusion of pineapple plant silages in the roughage portion of the diet. Therefore, pineapple silage can replace sorghum silage in the roughage part of diets for lactating crossbred cows.

Cone and fruit impacts on understory flammability depend on traits and forest floor coverage

BackgroundUnderstory flammability is affected by abscised plant tissue. Extensive research has shown how interspecific differences in leaf litter traits affect flammability; however, leaves represent only one component of the litter layer. Cones and fruit are also common constituents of the forest floor, yet surprisingly little is known about how flammability is affected by their presence. In this study, we ask how flammability is affected by cones and fruit trait differences, coverage differences, and varying species and coverage combinations. To address these questions, we compared cone and fruit morphological and chemical traits among longleaf pine, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, sweetgum, post oak, and water oak. We also used burn trials to compare fire behavior of single and mixed-species treatments at three coverage levels (10% of plot area (low), 30% (medium), and 50% (high)) integrated within a common mixed-litter layer under field conditions in central Alabama, USA.ResultsLike other plant tissues, cone/fruit dry matter, carbon, and lignin content promote fuel consumption and flame height, while nitrogen suppresses flammability. Single-species treatments produced distinct patterns in fire behavior, with longleaf pine cones consistently showing higher percent fuel consumption, flame height, and maximum smoldering temperature than sweetgum capsular heads. Mixed-species treatment results were less consistent; however, at high coverage, a representative upland three-way mixture (longleaf pine + sweetgum + post oak) showed significantly greater fuel consumption and flame height relative to a bottomland three-way mixture (loblolly pine + sweetgum + water oak) at high coverage. Medium cone/fruit coverage maximized flammability in most single and multi-species treatments and produced non-additive fuel consumption in mixtures containing longleaf pine and sweetgum.ConclusionOur results confirm that individual species’ cone and fruit flammability often parallels that of litter. Fire behavior in mixture is generally driven by the most flammable constituent species, but this result changes with cone and fruit coverage. Collectively, these results indicate that cones/fruit identity and coverage play an important role in understory flammability and should be integrated into fire behavior modeling efforts in monocultures and mixtures.

DESCOMPOSICIÓN Y LIBERACIÓN DE NITRÓGENO DE LOS RESIDUOS DE CAÑA DE AZÚCAR (Saccharum officinarum L.) COMBINADOS CON EL FOLLAJE DE PLANTAS LOCALES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: Green post-harvest sugarcane residues (&lt;em&gt;Saccharum officinarum&lt;/em&gt;) present low rates of decomposition and N release in the short term when integrated into the production system. Combining &lt;em&gt;S. officinarum&lt;/em&gt; residues with the foliage of local plants rich in nitrogen could be an alternative to accelerate the decomposition process of residues with a positive impact on soil conservation. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;: To evaluate and compare the decomposition patterns and potential release of N to the soil of the residues of &lt;em&gt;S. officinarum&lt;/em&gt; variety MEX 69-290, with the addition of different foliage such as &lt;em&gt;Clitoria ternatea&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Leucaena leucocephala&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Tithonia diversifolia&lt;/em&gt;, in southern Quintana Roo. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;: The treatments evaluated were the following: Clitoria + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, Tithonia + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 (control). The materials were placed in decomposition bags and incubated on the ground in four periods (15, 30, 60 and 120 days), in a completely randomized design. The contents of dry matter, nitrogen and lignin were determined for the initial and remaining material in each period. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: With the integration of local plants, a significant increase in the percentage of decomposition and release of N was obtained. After 120 days of evaluation, the decomposition values were 71.3, 50.4, 48.1 and 33.5%, for the Tithonia + MEX 69-290, Clitoria + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 control, respectively. Likewise, the potential N release values were 98.2, 95.3, 92.9 and 58.7%, for Tithonia + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, Clitoria + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 control. The Tithonia + MEX 69-290 treatment had the highest relative decomposition rate (0.009 g g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; day&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) and a high potential N release rate (0.053 g g&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; day&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;), compared to the other treatments. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;: The integration of N-rich plants can increase the decomposition and release of N from sugarcane residues, with potential in plant assimilation from the first crop cycle, reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and increase sugarcane yields. in the region. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: The combination of &lt;em&gt;S. officinarum&lt;/em&gt; residues with foliage of local plants, particularly &lt;em&gt;T. diversifolia&lt;/em&gt;, could be considered a viable strategy to accelerate the decomposition process and release of N in residues on the edaphoclimatic conditions of southern Quintana Roo.&lt;/p&gt;

Techno-economic analysis of production of octane booster components derived from lignin

AbstractIn this study, a comprehensive process for production of an environmentally friendly octane booster (acetophenone) from lignin is presented, along with a detailed techno-economic analysis. Recognizing that much of the prior research on octane boosters has been confined to experimental lab-level investigations, this study develops comprehensive process design to unravel the intricacies of large-scale acetophenone production. The acetophenone production process involves catalytic hydrogenolysis, which also yields phenol as a valuable side product. Based on the process flow diagram, mass and energy balances were developed, revealing significantly improved yields and purity of acetophenone compared to industry standards, reaching 0.74 kg acetophenone per kg of lignin and 99 wt%. In the techno-economic analysis, calculations involving fixed capital investment (FCI), operating costs, and working capital were conducted based on a feed of 100 kg/h of dry lignin. The results indicate FCI at 2.72 million USD, operating costs at 1.09 million USD per year, and working capital at 0.57 million USD. Assuming a 20-year operational lifespan, the payback period is estimated at 6.09 years, as depicted by the cumulative cash flow diagram. Moreover, techno-economic analysis demonstrates a net present value (NPV) of 3.24 million USD at a 10% discount rate, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 22.73%, and a return on investment (ROI) of 34.39%. These positive outcomes underscore the robust profitability of the proposed acetophenone production plant derived from lignin. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on the IRR indicates that increasing the production capacity could further enhance profitability, reaffirming the feasibility of the plant’s operation. Crucially, this study highlights the potential for sustainable and economically viable production of acetophenone, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to toxic octane boosters and advancing the development of sustainable fuel additives. Graphical Abstract

Atributos produtivos e nutricionais da forragem hidropônica de milho, em diferentes estágios, cultivada em substratos de capim-elefante e serragem de madeira

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and nutritional attributes of hydroponic corn forage grown on elephant grass and wood sawdust substrates at different stages. Two treatments (T) with different substrates were established: T1 - chopped and dehydrated elephant grass and T2 - wood sawdust. Forage samples were collected 13 and 20 days after sowing to evaluate seedling development, biomass production, and nutritional composition. The elephant grass substrate promoted better seedling development and greater biomass production and concentration of mineral matter at 13 days, whereas wood sawdust promoted a greater concentration of dry matter, crude protein, lignin, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P &lt; 0.05). The elephant grass substrates resulted in greater seedling height, production of green biomass, and concentrations of mineral matter, crude protein, and ether extract at 20 days, while wood sawdust promoted greater root length and greater concentrations of dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and lignin (P &lt; 0.05). Elephant grass substrate and collection for 13 days promoted better production of hydroponic forage and its nutritional composition.

Effect of Cu-modified HZSM-5 zeolites on catalytic pyrolysis of lignin to producing aromatic hydrocarbons

Lignin catalytic pyrolysis presents a promising and sustainable approach to producing aromatic molecules. Herein, we investigated the effect of modified zeolite with copper (Cu/HZSM-5) catalyst on efficiently pyrolyzed kraft lignin into aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) production, especially mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs). Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was employed to compare the volatile product profiles of lignin during catalytic pyrolysis. The highest yield of MAHs reached 70.59 mg/g based on dry lignin at 550 °C, accounting for 70.23% among lignin pyrolysis products, compared to the pristine HZSM-5 zeolite catalytic system with MAHs yield of only 54.31 mg/g and of 40.34% in products. At 550 °C and 60 s residence time, the 5% Cu/HZSM-5 catalyst demonstrated the best performance compared to all other catalysts in terms of selectively producing MAHs. The results are ascribed to the enhancement of decarboxylation and aromatization processes by the doping of copper. This work demonstrates a cost-effective pathway that potentially converts kraft lignin into aromatic hydrocarbon production at a phenomenally high selectivity, providing a concept for industrial application toward biomass utilization and high value-added production.

Assessment of the biochemical methane potential of in-house and outdoor stored pig and dairy cow manure by evaluating chemical composition and storage conditions

Biogas production is a suitable option for producing energy from dairy and pig manure types. During manure storage, organic matter degradation results in methane emissions decreasing the potential biogas yield. The present research advances the understanding of the biochemical methane potential (BMP) and the chemical characteristics of manure collected year-round from sequential stages of the liquid manure management chain of commercial dairy cow and pig farms. To this end, manure samples from six livestock farms in Germany were analyzed. The results showed that changes in chemical composition during storage led to a 20.5% decrease in the BMP of dairy manure from the barn to outdoor storage. For fattening pig manure samples, there was a 39.5% decrease in the BMP from intermediate to outdoor storage. An analysis of BMP according to manure age showed that pig manure degrades faster than dairy manure; the importance of promptly feeding manure to the biogas plant in order to avoid significant CH4 emission losses and reduction in energy producing capacity was highlighted. The best BMP predictors for dairy manure were the contents of dry matter, volatile solids and lignin, whereas best BMP predictors for pig manure were dry matter and volatile fatty acid (VFA) content. Prediction models performed well for samples from outdoor storages; refinements for predicting BMP of less aged samples presenting lower chemical variability would be necessary.

Responses of nitrogen and phosphorus resorption of understory plants to microscale soil nutrient hetero-geneity in Chinese fir plantation.

We compared the interspecific differences in leaf nutrient resorption of two dominant understory species (Lophatherum gracile and Oplimenus unulatifolius), and analyzed the correlations between the intraspecific efficiency of leaf nutrient resorption and nutrient properties of soil and leaves in Chinese fir plantation. The results showed high soil nutrient heterogeneity in Chinese fir plantation. Soil inorganic nitrogen content and available phosphorus content varied from 8.58 to 65.29 mg·kg-1 and from 2.43 to 15.20 mg·kg-1 in the Chinese fir plantation, respectively. The soil inorganic nitrogen content in O. undulatifolius community was 1.4 times higher than that in L. gra-cile community, but there was no significant difference in soil available phosphorus content between the two communities. Both leaf nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiency of O. unulatifolius was significantly lower than that of L. gracile under the three measurement bases of leaf dry weight, leaf area, and lignin content. Resorption efficiency in L. gracile community expressed on leaf dry weight was lower than that expressed on leaf area and lignin content, while resorption efficiency expressed on leaf area was the lowest in O. unulatifolius community. The intraspecific resorption efficiency was significantly correlated with leaf nutrient contents, but was less correlated with soil nutrient content, and only the nitrogen resorption efficiency of L. gracile had significant positive correlation with soil inorganic nitrogen content. The results indicated that there was significant difference in the leaf nutrient resorption efficiency between the two understory species. Soil nutrient heterogeneity exerted a weak effect on the intraspecific nutrient resorption, which might be attributed to high soil nutrient availability and potential disturbance from canopy litter in Chinese fir plantation.

Parallel-to-Grain Compressive and Tensile Behavior of Paulownia Wood at Elevated Temperatures

Fast-grown Paulownia wood is extensively used as construction material in China. The mechanical properties of Paulownia wood at room temperature are well known. However, investigations of its mechanical behavior at elevated temperatures are very limited. To address this issue, thermal analysis was conducted to investigate the mass loss and reaction heat during water evaporation and thermal decomposition. Moreover, parallel-to-grain compressive and tensile tests were conducted on clear Paulownia wood specimens at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 220 °C. It was found that kinking is the main failure mode of the compressive specimens, while transverse rupture was frequently observed in the tensile specimens. At 220 °C, the retention rates of the average parallel-to-grain compressive and tensile strengths were 38% and 42%, respectively. However, the strengths significantly increased as the temperature increased from 100 °C to 140 °C, due to the moisture evaporation and the hardening of the dry lignin. The design curve suggested by EN 1995-1-2 was very conservative (as much as 76%) at estimating the parallel-to-grain compressive strengths. However, the design curve was slightly nonconservative (less than 6%) at predicting the parallel-to-grain tensile strengths when the temperature was below 60 °C. Furthermore, a significant reduction (approximately 40%) in the deformation capacity was found when the temperature was higher than 180 °C.

Evaluation of the Shear Performance of Douglas-Fir Wood at Elevated Temperatures

Shear fracture frequently occurs in timber beams and panels subjected to transverse loads. At elevated temperatures, wood will undergo complex physical and chemical processes which significantly affect the shear properties. In this paper, the v-notched Douglas-fir specimens with three different shear planes: (a) Radial-Tangential (RT); (b) Radial-Longitudinal (RL), and (c) Longitudinal-Radial (LR), were fabricated and tested under the elevated temperatures from 20 °C to 180 °C. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to measure the shear strain. It was found that the shear plane had a significant effect on the failure modes, shear strength, and shear modulus. The shear strength and shear modulus generally decreased with the increase of temperature. However, the shear strength was significantly improved when the hardening of the dry lignin occurred between 100 °C and 140 °C. Moreover, the design curve for the shear strength in Eurocode 5 is conservative for all the specimens with different shear planes.

Phorbol ester biodegradation in Jatropha curcas cake and potential as a substrate for enzyme and Pleurotus pulmonarius edible mushroom production

Jatropha curcas is a model for biorefinery applications. Although J. curcas cake (JCC), a product of oil extraction, shows potential in animal feed, inactivation of toxic phorbol esters (PE) in residues is necessary. Biological detoxification offers promise for animal feed, as well as for edible mushroom and enzyme production. Here, strains of Aurantioporus pulcherrimus, Ganoderma lucidum, Agaricus sp., Agaricus fuscofibrillosus, Agaricus mediofuscus, Ascopolyporus sp., Panaeolus antillarum, Lentinus strigellus, Amylosporus sp. and Pleurotus pulmonarius were screened for degradation of PE in JCC. These selected macrofungi degraded PE in solid culture over a 30-day period at 28 °C. Among the evaluated basidiomycetes, P. pulmonarius displayed the highest rate of PE degradation, reaching 97% efficiency. To induce the formation of fruiting bodies, P. pulmonarius was further cultivated over 60 days in JCC and five different JCC formulations, each supplemented with an additional lignocellulosic source, with up to a 99.5% degradation of the toxic compound achieved. Fungal fruiting was observed in four of the formulations tested. Biological efficiency (BE) reached 25% in a formulation of JCC plus sawdust. Ligninases, cellulases, hemicellulases, proteases, phytases, esterases and lipase activities were quantified from crude extracts of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) from this formulation. Bromatological analyses here also revealed increases in protein content, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicellulose, and a reduction in dry matter, lignin, and ethereal extract. In conclusion, P. pulmonarius was efficient in degradation of PE in JCC, with the residue appropriate for animal feed input, for production of edible mushrooms, and as a source of enzymes of biotechnological interest.

Linkages between traits and decomposition of weed communities along a soil management and pedoclimate gradient in Mediterranean vineyards.

Decomposition is a major ecosystem process which improves soil quality. Despite that, only a few studies have analysed decomposition in an agricultural context, while most agrosystems (e.g. vineyards) are facing decreasing soil quality. The objective of this study is to understand the impacts of both pedoclimate and weed management on the mass loss of vineyard weed communities during the early stages of the decomposition process through their functional properties. In 16 Mediterranean vineyards representing both a pedoclimate and a soil management gradient, we measured the mass loss of green above-ground biomass of 50 weed communities during decomposition in standard conditions and key leaf traits of dominant species [e.g. leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf lignin to nitrogen ratio (lignin:N)]. Both the mean [i.e. community-weighted mean (CWM)] and diversity (i.e. Rao index) were computed at the community level. Path analysis was used to quantify the effects of agro-environmental filters on the mass loss of weed communities through their functional properties. Tillage and mowing filtered more decomposable communities than chemical weeding (16 and 8 % of higher mass loss after 2 months of decomposition). Path analysis selected weed management practice type as the main factor determining mass loss through its effect on functional properties, while soil and climate had minor and no effects, respectively. Chemical weeding favoured communities with higher investment in resistant leaves (e.g. 38 % higher lignin:N, 22 % lower leaf nitrogen content) which resulted in lower mass loss compared with tilled and mowed communities. Mowing favoured communities with 47 % higher biomass and with 46 % higher nitrogen content. Weed management significantly influenced weed mass loss, while the pedoclimate had little effect. Our results suggest that mowing is a promising alternative to herbicide use, favouring higher biomass, nitrogen content and decomposability potential of weeds.

Towards jet fuel from technical lignins: Feedstock-catalyst-product interactions revealed during catalytic hydrogenolysis

One-pot conversion of technical lignins to jet fuel is limited by recondensation of unstable intermediates. A two-stage process that first generates stabilized fragments by reductive depolymerization, then upgrades oligomers to hydrocarbons may increase yield. Insights into factors affecting initial depolymerization of industrially relevant lignins were revealed, whereas many studies have focused on upgrading bio-oil or model compounds. Feedstocks, catalysts, and process conditions were varied to identify effects on product composition. Hydrogen and temperature synergistically suppressed coking during pine kraft depolymerization to increase monomer production. Ruthenium was more effective than cobalt at limiting solid residue and improving liquid product yield by promoting hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis. Besides ruthenium, a strong acid-base catalyst effectively deconstructed hardwood biorefinery lignin, targeting alkyl-aryl ether bonds. Ruthenium and zinc converted hardwood kraft lignin to oligomers most suitable for upgrading to jet fuel-range hydrocarbons based on yield (79 % on dry lignin), weight-average molecular weight (1290 g/mol), and chemical structure.

Lignocellulosic biomass production in six cultivars of Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone in the tropics

Objective: To determine the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin production of six Cenchrus purpureus cultivars with or without fertilization, harvested every 21 days for 168 days. Design/Methodology/Approach; The cultivars evaluated were: CT-115, Elefante, King grass, Maralfalfa, Roxo and Taiwan, with and without fertilization. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with a split plot arrangement with four replications. The fertilization dose was 141-43-20 of NPK. Forage was harvested every 21 days for six months in the rainy season. The samples were determined: Dry Matter (DM), Ash, FDN, FAD, Hemicellulose, Cellulose and Lignin. A nonlinear regression analysis was performed. Biomass production was determined with the estimated values ​​and the percentage of each component. The goodness-of-fit indicators were: R2, the coefficient of determination (R) and the model selection criterion (MSC). The parameters and coefficients of goodness of fit were analyzed in ANOVA with the SAS software in the GLM procedure. Means with Tukey's test. Results: The Maralfalfa cultivar presented higher cellulose production (3786 kg ha-1) and similar (p&gt;0.05) to the Elefante and Taiwan cultivars with values ​​of 3451 and 3329 kg ha-1 and different (p&lt;0.05) to CT- 115 and King grass with more than one ton ha-1 of cellulose. Study Limitations/Implications: Cellulose production was increased by the effect of fertilization. findings/conclusions. Findings/Conclusions: The fertilized Maralfalfa, Elefante and Taiwan cultivars produced more than 4000, 3000 and 1000 kg ha-1 of Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, respectively.

Forage Production and Quality of BRS Capiaçu as a Response of Cutting Age and Nitrogen Application

Capiaçu is a cultivar of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), which is a promising species for use in ruminant feed and presents a high potential for biomass production. However, as this grass became subjected to different management strategies, fluctuations in biomass production were observed, reflecting on its nutritive value. The objective was to verify the effect of cutting age and nitrogen (N) application on the productivity and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu. A randomized block design was used in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme: three cutting ages (60, 90, and 120 days) and three levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 100, and 200 kg N/ha/year). The variables evaluated were: productivity and chemical composition of the leaf, stem, and whole plant fractions, besides the production of nutrients and efficiency of utilization of applied nitrogen (EUAN). There were interaction effects between cutting ages and N application on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin production. Plants cut every 120 days and fertilized with 100 or 200 kg N/ha had the highest annual DM production. Nitrogen fertilization was efficient in increasing the percentage of leaves and the production of CP and DM digestibility of the grass. The highest CP production (in kg/ha/year) was observed for the 60- and 90-days old grass fertilized with 200 kg of N/ha/year. Grasses that were cut every 90 days and that received nitrogen fertilization of 100 kg N/ha/year were the ones that presented the highest EUAN. The cutting at 90 days of age, associated with N fertilization of 100 kg N/ha/year, is the best strategy for BRS Capiaçu.

Gasification of hydrolysis lignin with CO2 in the presence of Fe and Co compounds

The effect of the nature of the metal (Fe and Co) deposited on the surface of hydrolysis lignin, as well as the metal content (1, 3, 5 and 7 wt%), on the process of dry catalytic lignin reforming has been studied. The use of the catalyst led to a twofold increase in the conversion of carbon dioxide at temperatures of 500–800 °C, while both metals showed similar activity. The maximum specific catalytic effect is achieved when supporting 7 wt% of active metals.

The Fiber Profile of Midrib Waste on Salak Sidempuan Fermented with Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Feed alternative is become the major concern for livestock industry in order to provide the continuously feeding. Feed technology system based on agriculture wastes were the modified strategy to gain the other sources of feed raw materials. Salak Sidempuan is performed similar with the Palm plantations which is produced the potential midrib waste. Nutritionally, the product will feed the animal to increase the performance. The research aims to evaluate the proximate profile especially the fiber contents of midrib waste of Salak Sidempuan fermented with white root fungi. The fifth experiments were evaluated after the measuring period by using the Phanerochaete chrysosporium and replicated in 4 times. Experiments were P0 (control), P1 (5%inoculant of P. chrysosporium), P2 (10%inoculant of P. chrysosporium), P3 (15%inoculant of P. chrysosporium), and P4 (20%inoculant of P. chrysosporium). A completely randomized design was used to determine the statistical effect on dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber and lignin. Results showed that the addition of inoculant about 20% signifantly effected the increasing on dry matter and organic matter while followed the decreasing of fiber contents. In conclusion, fermentation of midrib waste with Phanerochaete chrysosporium is potentially degradated the fiber content itselves.