Yield response to nitrogen fertilization and harvest timing on a mature Miscanthus x giganteus stand

The U.S. demand for renewable fuels has increased due to the concerns about the availability of nonrenewable fuels in the future and the impacts these fuels have on the environment. It is likely that Miscanthus x giganteus will be an important renewable energy crop in the U.S. due to great biomass production and low input requirements. This research focuses on the effects of nitrogen fertilization rates and harvest timings on yields and quality of a four-year-old crop of M. x giganteus. Research plots in Champaign, IL were harvested at five dates from August through March 2009, 2010, and 2011, and received five rates of nitrogen fertilizer (from 0 to 224 kg ha-1) to determine biomass yields and quality over three growing seasons. From this study, we concluded that M. x giganteus production increased with nitrogen applications up to 112 kg ha-1, and that harvesting following senescence is optimal for long-term biomass yield, increases carbon content and reduces nitrogen, moisture, and ash content in the harvested biomass. These results lay a foundation as agronomic researchers to develop best management practices for the emerging feedstock industry.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Crop Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Parrish, Allen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lee, DoKyoung
• Voigt, Thomas B.

• Miscanthus
• nitrogen
• harvest timing

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Allen Parrish

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/44471

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/44471