Virginia Mallow Research Articles

Industrial Hemp as a Potential Nonwood Source of Fibres for European Industrial-Scale Papermaking-A Review.

The suitability of industrial hemp (IH) as a source of fibres for European industrial-scale papermaking, including, in particular, European kraft pulp mills (EKMPs) (i.e., plants producing the predominant amount of virgin pulps in Europe), was discussed, considering the causal, cultivation, technological, and application aspects of this issue. The work showed that there are generally premises for using straw from nonwood crops in European papermaking. As for the IH, it was found that IH stalks are the best IH fibrous raw material for EKMPs. There are a few cultivation factors favouring the use of IH stalks in them and a few, though important (e.g., small cultivation areas), factors not conducive to this use. Most technological factors favour the use of IH stalks in EKPMs, apart from the large differences in the length of the IH bast and woody-core fibres. The analysis of application factors indicates lower usefulness of IH stalks than wheat, rye or triticale straws, stalks of Miscanthus × giganteus, Virginia mallow, and kenaf. This is due to the much greater availability of these cereal straws than IH and less variation in the fibre length of cereal straws, Miscanthus × giganteus, Virginia mallow, and kenaf than in IH stalks. The main conclusion from the conducted query is the statement that the presence of IH varieties with fibre lengths more similar to wood would reduce the number of technological and application factors unfavourable to their use in EKPMs and increase the competitiveness of hemp straw vs. wood as a raw material for European large-scale papermaking.

A Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Seeds and Phytomass of New High-Potential Fodder and Energy Crops

The purpose of this research is to capitalise on the potential of non-traditional plant species in the Republic of Moldova from the families Asteraceae (cup plant Silphium perfoliatum; cardoon Cynara cardunculus), Fabaceae (fodder galega Galega orientalis, sand sainfoin Onobrychis arenaria), Hydrophylaceae (phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia), Malvaceae (curly mallow Malva crispa; Virginia mallow Sida hermaphrodita) and Poaceae (perennial sorghum Sorghum almum, pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum). The study presents the research results on the seed properties (dimensional parameters, structure, friability, apparent specific mass, mass of 1000 seeds) and on the phytomass quality of the above-mentioned plants. The obtained results demonstrate that the criterion of dimensional proportionality Kdp, proposed in this paper, effectively reflects the structure of the seeds; the seeds of new crops (except phacelia) have high friability (angle of repose α ≤ 33° and angle of static friction on steel α1 ≤ 27.8°, on wood α1 = 34.7°, on enamelled surface α1 = 30°). The natural fodder from the researched species is characterised by a crude protein content of 9.0–23.4%, dry matter digestibility of 56.0–66.5%, digestible energy load of 11.16–12.95 MJ kg−1, metabolizable energy of 9.16–10.63 MJ kg−1, net energy for lactation of 5.18–6.76 MJ kg−1, and relative feed value RFV = 74–129. The biochemical biomethane potential from studied vegetal substrates is 297–353 l kg−1 VS.

Biomass yield and biofiber properties of select industrial fiber crops in Lithuania

AbstractThe versatility, flexibility, design, and lightness of plastic are the most attractive features that enable its useability in our daily life. As production of disposable plastic increases, so does the amount of waste. Plastic waste is nondegradable. Its accumulation over time increases the risk of environmental pollution and contributes to environmental hazards. This has resulted into finding more renewable sources that could replace plastics. One renewable resource is agricultural plant biomass rich in cellulose. This work is aimed at evaluating the chemical composition and structure of industrial fiber crops. Three types of crops were selected: Miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby), and mugwort (Artemisia dubia Wall.). Their properties were compared with wheat straw (Triticum spp.). The industrial fiber crops and wheat straw were fertilized with mineral fertilizer at 90 kg ha−1. Experiments were performed to evaluate chemical and physical composition and biofiber parameters of crops. The highest cellulose content of 54.5 ± 2.17% was in mugwort with the lowest value of 42.5 ± 1.31% in Miscanthus. The carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio was the lowest in mugwort (114.8 ± 3.91%). This means mugwort biomass can be easily degraded by microorganisms and has better biomass pretreatment properties. The best fiber quality was found in Virginia mallow. However, the yield of Miscanthus fiber per hectare was higher, compared with other tested crops. The study presented opportunities for mugwort and Miscanthus as verifiable industrial fiber crops. They hold huge potential as raw materials for biorefinery production with less cost and high productivity under temperate climatic conditions.

Energy vs. Nutritional Potential of Virginia Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.) and Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.).

The world today faces several pressing challenges: energy from non-renewable sources is becoming increasingly expensive, while at the same time the use of agricultural land for food production is decreasing at the expense of biofuel production. Energy crops offer a potential solution to maximizing the use of land. In order to provide new value to the by-product, it is necessary to investigate its possible nutritional and functional potential. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the energetic, nutritional, and functional potential of the species Sida hermaphrodita L. and Silphium perfoliatum L. in different phenophases. The analyzed energy potential of the mentioned species is not negligible due to the high determined calorific value (17.36 MJ/kg for Virginia mallow and 15.46 MJ/kg for the cup plant), high coke content (15.49% for the cup plant and 10.45% for Virginia mallow), and desirably high carbon content, almost 45%, in both species. The phenophase of the plant had a significant influence on the content of the analyzed specialized metabolites (SM) in the leaves, with a high content of ascorbic acid at the full-flowering stage in Virginia mallow (229.79 mg/100 g fw) and in cup plants at the end of flowering (122.57 mg/100 g fw). In addition, both species have high content of polyphenols: as much as 1079.59 mg GAE/100 g were determined in the leaves of Virginia mallow at the pre-flowering stage and 1115.21 mg GAE/100 g fw in the cup plants at the full-flowering stage. An HPLC analysis showed high levels of ellagic acid and naringin in both species. In addition, both species have high total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations. Due to their high content of SM, both species are characterized by a high antioxidant capacity. It can be concluded that, in addition to their energetic importance, these two plants are also an important source of bioactive compounds; thus, their nutritional and functional potential for further use as value-added by-products should not be neglected.

Wastewater Sewage Sludge Management via Production of the Energy Crop Virginia Mallow

Wastewater treatment plants are facilities where wastewater is treated by technological processes. A byproduct of a wastewater treatment plant is sewage sludge, which can be both a good soil conditioner and a source of nutrients for the crops to which it is applied. Energy crops are non-food plants that can cleanse the soil of heavy metals through their ability to phytoremediate. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of different amounts of sewage sludge on soil and plants. In the experiment Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.) was used and the influence of stabilized sewage sludge in the amounts of 1.66, 3.32 and 6.64 t/ha dry matter on the energy composition and biomass yield was observed.The obtained results showed a yield of 8.85 t/ha at the maximum amount of sewage sludge used. Hemicellulose content was 20.20% in the application of 6.64 t/ha of sewage sludge and 19.70% in the control, while lignin content was 17.97% in the control and 16.77% in the maximum amount of sewage sludge. The heavy metals molybdenum and nickel did not differ significantly under the influence of larger amounts of sewage sludge, while manganese increased from 23.66 to 35.82 mg/kg.

Effects of Red Mud on Plant Growth in an Artificial Soil Mixture

Transforming economies towards the increased circular use of raw materials and keeping resource consumption within planetary boundaries is a major challenge. In our previous research, we utilized sewage sludge to produce artificial soil mixtures well-suited to the biological recultivation of degraded areas. The present study investigated how we can integrate red mud, often considered waste, into this circular management form. With red mud volume ratios of 15% and 30%, we experienced good germination and growth in Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.), white poplar (Populus alba L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and the perennial multipurpose crop, Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.). Our results indicate that it is worthwhile to scale up this cheap, economically and ecologically favourable combined waste recovery and mine reclamation technology and to expand its use to fullscale operation.

The Effect of Electromagnetic Microwave Radiation on Methane Fermentation of Selected Energy Crop Species

The aim of the present study was to determine how thermal stimulation via electromagnetic microwave radiation impacts the yields of biogas and methane produced by methane fermentation of five selected energy crop species in anaerobic reactors. The resultant performance was compared with that of reactors with conventional temperature control. The highest biogas production capacity was achieved for maize silage and Virginia mallow silage (i.e., 680 ± 28 dm3N/kgVS and 506 ± 16 dm3N/kgVS, respectively). Microwave radiation as a method of heating anaerobic reactors provided a statistically-significantly boost in methane production from maize silage (18% increase). Biomethane production from maize silage rose from 361 ± 12 dm3N/kgVS to 426 ± 14 dm3N/kgVS. In the other experimental variants, the differences between methane concentrations in the biogas were non-significant.

New energy crop alternatives for Northern Europe: Yield, chemical and physical properties of Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis var. ‘Igniscum’) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita)

New energy crops adapted to northern conditions of Europe can broaden the portfolio of agricultural based biofuel options in an area with currently few alternatives. This study evaluates two energy crops, giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis var. ‘Igniscum’) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita), as possible biomass feedstocks for biofuels in southern Finland. The collected data includes yield productivity, physical and chemical properties, and energy content. The dry matter yield of giant knotweed ranges from 5.41 odt·ha−1 to 27.67 odt·ha−1, whereas Virginia mallow ranges from 6.72 odt·ha−1 to 16.72 odt·ha−1. Pellets from both crops meet the requirements regarding standards. Giant knotweed presents a bulk density of 677.71 kg·m−3 and Virginia mallow 725.18 kg·m−3. The results of mechanical durability of giant knotweed do not exceed the minimum threshold of the standards, with 96.73 w-%, while Virginia mallow is 92.86 w-%. The analysis of the ash content results in 1.5% for giant knotweed and 2.19% for Virginia mallow. The quantities of chlorine (Cl) and sulphur (S) are below the recommended thresholds. Finally, the energy content with moisture content of 5 w-% of giant knotweed and Virginia mallow were 19.97 MJ·kg−1 and 19.68 MJ·kg−1, respectively. Both crops prove are valid alternatives in the climatic and soil conditions of Northern Europe.

Meadow hay, Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. as potential non-wood raw materials for the pulp and paper industry

While the demand for paper and packaging material is increasing, industry and consumers are searching for more sustainable raw materials. This study evaluates three non-wood perennials to find alternative raw materials for the paper and pulp industry. Meadow hay, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) are attracting attention as potential raw materials for the bioeconomy due to biodiversity benefits, low fertilizer requirements as well as high yields. For the first time a detailed view on their fibre morphology and use as paper feedstock is given. After three different mechanical grinding methods, the plant material was screened, pulped in NaOH and beaten in a PFI mill. Birch fibre has been chosen as short-fibre control and blend base. Hand-sheets with different pulp blends of birch and one of the three raw materials were made, and paper properties were measured. For meadow hay, Virginia mallow and cup plant fibre lengths of 0.5, 1.3, and 0.9 mm were measured. Therefore, all perennial plant materials have comparable fibre lengths to hardwoods. Meadow hay blends with birch pulp percentages of 50 % and 75 % generated higher paper strength compared to the pure birch paper at a beating intensity of 5000 revolutions (PFI). The paper strength of cup plant and Virginia mallow blends is comparable to the strength of the birch control. Due to these promising results, all analyzed raw materials could find their application, especially in the growing area of sustainable packaging materials.

Deciphering Substrate-Specific Methane Yields of Perennial Herbaceous Wild Plant Species

The global demand for plant biomass to provide bioenergy and heat is continuously increasing because of a growing interest among many industrialized and developing countries towards climate sound and renewable energy supply. The exacerbation of land-use conflicts proliferates social-ecological demands on future bioenergy cropping systems. Perennial herbaceous wild plant mixtures (WPMs) represent an approach to providing social-ecologically more sustainably produced biogas substrate that has gained increasing public and political interest only in recent years. The focus of this study lies on three perennial wild plant species (WPS) that usually dominate the biomass yield performance of WPM cultivation. These WPS were compared with established biogas crops in terms of their substrate-specific methane yield (SMY) and lignocellulosic composition. The plant samples were investigated in a small-scale mesophilic discontinuous biogas batch test for determining the SMY. All WPS were found to have significantly lower SMY (241.5–248.5 lN kgVS−1) than maize (337.5 lN kgVS−1). This was attributed to higher contents of lignin (9.7–12.8% of dry matter) as well as lower contents of hemicellulose (9.9–11.5% of dry matter) in the WPS. Only minor, non-significant differences to cup plant and Virginia mallow were observed. Thus, when planning WPS as a diversification measure in biogas cropping systems, their lower SMY should be considered.

Effect of Compaction Pressure and Moisture Content on Post-Agglomeration Elastic Springback of Pellets.

Renewable energy sources (RES) represent an increasing share of global energy production. Biomass has the highest potential of all RES. Biomass is used to produce solid biofuels, liquid biofuels, and gaseous biofuels. One of the main directions of research on solid biofuels is to optimize the agglomeration process. The main factors determining the characteristics of the final product in the production of pellets are process and material parameters. Process parameters include compaction pressure, temperature, and geometry of the matrix channel. The parameters of the material are the type of biomass, moisture content, degree of fragmentation, and method of preparation of the material (e.g., drying). The process of pressure compaction is always associated with the negative phenomenon of elastic springback. The aim of this work was to check the influence of compaction pressure and material moisture content on the springback value. The research was conducted on three materials (giant miscanthus, cup plant and Virginia mallow), using four different pressures (131, 196, 262, and 327 MPa) and three different moisture levels (8, 11, and 14%). For all material springback values, the range was 9–16%. Statistical analysis showed that for all plants tested, the effects of compaction pressure and moisture content significantly affected the elastic springback value. Areas of high value springback in the pattern of process parameters were determined.

Promotion of ground beetles by integrating perennial energy crops into existing agricultural landscapes

Perennial energy crops as an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) have the potential to promote biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages of cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum Podp.) were assessed in four replicated field trials in Bavaria and compared to an annual crop rotation (winter rye (Secale cereale L.)), maize, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)). Additionally ground beetle fauna in cup plant was compared to that in maize on fields under real farm conditions at six sites in Bavaria with widely diverging soil–climate conditions. Ground beetles were collected in pitfall traps in winter (one field trial), spring (four field trials) and summer (six fields) in 2017.Overall, results for activity density and species richness of ground beetles under perennials compared to annuals were site-specific and there were no pronounced differences of species compositions.The highest activity density of seed-eating ground beetles occurred in Virginia mallow, which was invaded by weeds. Some indication of benefits for hibernation and larval development in cup plant were found. Tall wheat-grass had the lowest ground beetle diversity and activity density of all crops. Species accumulation curves on farmed fields in summer indicated higher species richness of ground beetle fauna in cup plant than in maize. Diversification of cultivated plants with perennial energy crops can provide additional niches for ground beetles, such as undisturbed soil. Effects, however, varied with site and species/genus in a complex manner.

Cultivation of energy crops by ecological methods under the conditions of global climate and environmental changes with the use of diatom extract as a natural source of chemical compounds

Modern agriculture must be subject to some adaptation processes due to unpredictable climate changes. One of the activities that enables the production of plant biomass in adverse climatic conditions is the development of ecological and innovative crop technologies using natural plant extracts. The elimination of synthetic fertilizers and their replacement with products based on organic matter will increase the plant’s resistance to negative conditions of environmental stress, will have a positive effect on the development and yielding of plants and will reduce cultivation costs. The plant material: willow (Salix viminalis), Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). The natural extract was obtained from Navicula sp. (Bacillariophyceae) monocultures, which was applied to plants in three variants: watering, spraying (foliar application) and watering and spraying. Every 2 weeks: plant height and chlorophyll content index were determined and at the end of the growing season, an analysis was made of: fresh and dry biomass, gas exchange activity in plants (net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductivity and intercellular CO2 concentration). The enzymatic activity of acid (pH = 6.0) and alkaline (pH = 7.5) phosphatase, RNase, dehydrogenases, as well as the integrity of cytoplasmic membranes was determined. The obtained results confirmed the positive effect of diatom monoculture extract on the growth and development of the plants. The analyzed physicochemical parameters were characterized by 15–20% higher values in comparison with the control. The use of natural extracts from Navicula sp. can be an alternative to chemical fertilizers and is considered one of the promising strategies in organic agriculture.

Soil organic carbon allocation and dynamics under perennial energy crops and their feedbacks with soil microbial biomass and activity

AbstractThe cultivation of perennial instead of annual energy crops has received growing interest. Previous studies identified numerous beneficial effects of perennial energy crop (PEC) cultivation for the agricultural landscape such as promotion of agrobiodiversity, reduced requirements for agrochemicals and fertilizers as well as a large potential for carbon accumulation in soil. However, the mere presence of soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation gives no indication about the persistence of the SOM for example after a recultivation of the stands. Therefore, this study focused on SOM pools of different density fractions and soil microbial parameters. Six different PECs were tested against a typical benchmark system as feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The study has shown that all PEC species increased soil microbial activity and provided an insight how they sequester carbon in soil. Moreover, significant modifications in basic soil properties caused by plant growth were observed. For example, the cultivation of giant knotweed has lowered the soil pH by more than 0.5 pH units compared to the benchmark system. After 5 years of PEC cultivation, total soil organic carbon stocks were increased between 1,500 ± 400 and 4,500 ± 1,500 kg C ha‐1 for the upper 10 centimetres of soil. The distribution among different soil fractions showed species‐specific patterns. Tall wheatgrass and Virginia mallow showed particular high accumulation rates in the mineral‐associated SOM fraction which indicates long residence times of the SOM after a possible recultivation of the fields.

Potential of Virginia Mallow as an Energy Feedstock

This study aims to compare the potential of Virginia mallow to other high yielding perennial grasses and hardwoods by characterising and comparing fast pyrolysis product yields. Feedstocks selected for this study include miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita), willow short rotation coppice (SRC) (Salix viminalis) and oak (Quercus robur). The experimental work was split into two sections: analytical (Py–GC–MS) and laboratory-scale processing using a 300 g h−1 continuous bubbling fluidised bed reactor. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) has been used to quantify pyrolysis products from these feedstocks by simulating fast pyrolysis heating rates using a CDS 5200 pyrolyser closed coupled to a PerkinElmer Clarus 680 GC–MS. High bio-oil yields were achieved for Virginia mallow, willow SRC and oak (65.36, 62.55 and 66.43 wt% respectively), but miscanthus only produced a yield of 53.46 wt% due to increased feedstock ash content. The water content in the bio-oil is highest from miscanthus (17.64 wt%) and relatively low in the Virginia mallow and hardwoods willow SRC and oak (12.49, 13.88 and 14.53 wt%). Similar high yields of bio-oil and low yields of char and non-condensable gas compared to willow SRC make Virginia mallow an attractive feedstock for fast pyrolysis processing.Graphic

Compaction of chopped material in a mini silo

The aim of the study was to explain the effect of pressure and compaction time, number of layers and compaction cycles of biomass from six energy plant species intended for silage on the density of mini silos as well as energy consumption and compaction indicators. A mathematical model was developed to predict the silage density against changed process factors. Chopped biomass was compacted in four layers using three cycles at 17–63 kPa pressure and 6–10 s per cycle. The greatest changes in compacted density were achieved in the first cycle of the first layer. At subsequent stages, the recompression curves were steeper, and more stable and higher densities were obtained. For giant knotweed the required silage dry matter density of 225 kg m−3 was achieved for plants at the physiological maturity stage, with a lower moisture content of 23.6%, than that obtained for plants harvested in June. The silage density was greater for deciduous plants (Virginia mallow and Jerusalem artichoke, but not giant knotweed) than that for grasses (miscanthus, Spartina pectinata, and big bluestem); this result was due to the lower moisture and to differences in the structure of the shoots. Silage density describes the model well in terms of pressure, number of layers, compaction time, particle size and dry matter.

A comprehensive investigation of hydrothermal carbonization: Energy potential of hydrochar derived from Virginia mallow

In this study, the effects of temperature, residence time and biomass to water ratio on hydrothermal carbonization of Virginia mallow were conducted. The main goal of this research was to investigate hydrochars derived from Virginia mallow in order to assess their fuel properties. Proximate, ultimate and high heating value analyses were used to establish the chemical energy content of raw biomass and hydrochars. TGA, SEM, BET and FTIR were performed to discuss the combustion characteristics and changes in the surface of the material. Temperature was found to be the main factor influencing the conversion of Virginia mallow during the HTC process. It was confirmed by the properties of hydrochar derived at 220 °C for 5 min which was as carbonaceous (51.8% carbon content) and reactive as that obtained at 200 °C for 60 min (52.5% carbon content). A sample pretreated at 200 °C for 90 min had the highest fixed carbon value (16.29%) when compared to raw feedstock (5.63%). In the resulting reduction of mass found in the hydrochar, an increase in the energy densification ratio as well as better combustion stability were also observed. Detailed analysis of the Results confirmed that the HTC is a promising method for producing energy-dense solid biofuel.

Effect of Compaction Pressure and Moisture Content on Quality Parameters of Perennial Biomass Pellets

In Poland the use of solid biomass obtained from intentional plantations of energy plants is increasing. This biomass is most often processed into solid fuels. There are growing indications that renewable energy sources, in particular biomass production, will continue to develop, so the better we know the raw material, the more effectively we will be able to use it. The results of tests that determine the impact of compaction pressure on selected quality parameters of pellets made from selected biomass types are presented. Material from plants such as Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu), Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) was studied. The compaction process was carried out using the SIRIO P400 hydraulic press with a closed chamber with a diameter of 12 mm. Samples were made in four pressures: 131; 196; 262; 327 MPa and three moisture levels: 8%, 11%, 14%. It was found that with increasing compaction pressure and moisture content up to a certain point, the density and durability of the pellets also increased. Each of the materials is characterized by a specific course of changes in the parameters tested.

Profitability of biomass production in relation to harvesting technology

The aim of the paper was to determine the production costs and profitability of biomass production from Virginia mallow including various harvesting technologies. The paper covered theoretical calculation of the production costs of biomass form Virginia mallow with the use of the computer application “Biocalculator”. Calculations were made for a plantation with the surface area of 5 ha and four technologies of harvesting and the product form (pressed straw, chaff). The paper determines the profitability of production of biomass from Virginia mallow for four variants of sale prices of biomass at the level of 100, 120, 140 and 150 PLN∙t-1. In case of T1 technology all assumed prices of sale of Virginia mallow biomass with the obtained production costs were profitable. On the other hand, in T3 and T4 technology, the scope of sale prices from 120 to 150 PLN∙t-1 caused that the biomass production was profitable. While, the least profitable was application of T2 technology where only at the assessment of biomass sale 150 PLN∙t-1 production was profitable and in the remaining price options the profit was not obtained.

Development and yielding of Virginia fanpetals depending on some elements of agricultural practices

In the years 2016–2018, two field experiments with species Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby named Virginia fanpetals (syn. Virginia mallow) later in the manuscript as Sida, were carried out in the Świętokrzyskie province. They were located on light soil prone to drought. The experiments were established in a set of randomized blocks in triplicate. The results were statistically analyzed and significance of differences was assessed by Tukey’s test. In the first experiment, the influence of sowing dates (beginning, half, end of May) and fertilization before sowing (NPK: 20, 20, 40 kg∙ha–1 and control without fertilization) on the development of plants in the first growing year, were examined. In the second experiment, development and yielding of Sida after using three different propagation materials (seedling, root cuttings and seed sowing) in the first three years of cultivation, were compared. The test results clearly showed beneficial effect of pre-sowing fertilization compared to the control (without fertilization). From three May sowing dates, in three years on average, sowing in the middle of this month turned out to be the best. On the light soil prone to drought, the best conditions for growth and yield were provided by seedling and root cuttings, the least favorable – sowing seeds. The average heat of combustion was determined as 18.515 MJ∙kg–1.