As Genera Energy continues to develop industry leading biomass supply chain solutions, we are always on the lookout for new and improved dedicated energy crops. These crops may be relatively new species not commonly thought of for bioenergy or may be existing crops that exhibit improved through genetics or with which new agronomic systems have improved the production process. Miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.) is an example of an existing crop that has shown significant improvement.
Figure 1 – Mature miscanthus ready for harvest.
Miscanthus is a perennial grass plant native to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate parts of Southeast Asia and is related to sugar cane. It is commonly established by planting plant parts or root components called rhizomes. As a perennial, it typically requires fewer annual agronomic inputs, such as fertilizer, than annual row crops. Miscanthus is managed and harvested similarly to switchgrass and yields approximately 10 – 12 dry tons per acre per year.
Establishing miscanthus with rhizomes is the most common method of planting. However, compared to switchgrass, the cost of establishment is extremely high as it is much more costly to produce and plant rhizomes than seed. In most cases, the establishment of miscanthus can cost more than four times the cost of establishing switchgrass on the same acre. In the last year or two, improvements in the efficiencies associated with rhizome production have increased and new, more automated planting equipment has become available. These two improvements alone have reduced the cost of establishment by almost 50%. Additionally, several companies specializing in miscanthus are pursuing a seeded variety of miscanthus. Planting the material from seed would reduce cost even more. Several concerns related to spread of miscanthus from seed still need to be addressed prior to large scale distribution. Progress is being made, though, and it is only a matter of time before seeded miscanthus becomes a reality.
When Genera develops supply chain solutions for its individual clients, an evaluation of miscanthus, along with many other crops, is part of the process. Let us help you determine the most appropriate feedstock mix for your project. Our expertise in dedicated energy crops is unparalleled in the industry. Contact us today.
By Sam Jackson, Ph.D., VP Business Development
