The main competitors yield wise is willow and poplar, grown at short rotation coppice (SRC) or short rotation forestry (SRF) plantations. In many locations in Europe, miscanthus plantations produce more net energy than any competing energy crop, because of high yields and low demands for farm management energy use. × giganteus has been shown to yield two times more than switchgrass. This compares favorably to maize (98 GJ), oil seed rape (25 GJ), and wheat/sugar beet (7–15 GJ). The typical UK winter harvest of 11–14 tonnes dry mass per hectare produce 200–250 gigajoules of energy per hectare per year. It has twice the water use efficiency of its fellow C4 plant maize, twice the efficiency as the C3 energy crop willow ( Salix viminalis), and four times the efficiency as the C3 plant wheat. Miscanthus is unusually efficient at turning solar radiation into biomass, and its water use efficiency is among the highest of any crop. For higher yield estimates (up to 40 t/ha), see Miguez et al. Yield Ĭomputer modelled yield estimate for Miscanthus × giganteus in the USA (no irrigation). The reason seems to be that this plastic film keeps the humidity in the topsoil and increases the temperature. x giganteus and various seed based hybrids to grow faster and taller, with a larger number of stems per plant, effectively reducing the establishment phase from three years to two. Mulch film, on the other hand, helps both M. Because of miscanthus' high nitrogen use efficiency, fertilizer is also usually not needed. Afterwards the dense canopy and the mulch formed by dead leaves effectively reduces weed growth. The plant requires little if any herbicide, and only at the beginning of its first two seasons. For seed based propagation, a halving of the cost is predicted. Alternative propagation techniques are available, or in development. Rhizome propagation is a labor-intensive way of planting new crops, but only happens once during a crop's lifetime. One hectare (2.5 acres) of miscanthus rhizomes, cut into pieces, can be used to plant 10–30 hectares of new miscanthus fields (multiplication factor 10–30). Miscanthus × giganteus is propagated by cutting the rhizomes (its below-ground stems) into small pieces, and then re-planting those pieces 10 cm (4 in) below ground. Miscanthus can also be used as a fiber source in pet food. Miscanthus used as horse bedding can be combined with making organic fertilizer. Further, miscanthus' high carbon to nitrogen ratio makes it inhospitable to many microbes, creating a clean bedding for poultry, cattle, pigs, horses, and companion animals. In agriculture, miscanthus straw is used in soil mulching to retain soil moisture, inhibit weed growth, and prevent erosion. Miscanthus fiber provides raw material for reinforcement of biocomposite or synthetic materials. The pulp can be processed further into methylcellulose and used as a food additive and in many industrial applications. It can be used as raw material for pulp and fibers as well as molded products such as eco-friendly disposable plates, cups, cartons, etc. Materials produced from miscanthus include fiberboards, composite miscanthus/wood particleboards, and blocks. It can also be used as raw material for liquid biofuels or biogas.Īlternatively, it is also possible to use miscanthus as a building material, and as insulation. It can be burned directly, or processed further into pellets or briquettes. Miscanthus × giganteus is mainly used as raw material for solid biofuels. 2.5.3 Water absorption and transport costs.2.5.2 Energy density and transport costs.2.5 Transport and combustion challenges.2.3.1 Yield – comparison with other renewables.Torrefaction and other fuel upgrading techniques are being explored as countermeasures to this problem. There are practical and economic challenges related to its use in the existing, fossil based combustion infrastructure, however. Some argue that it can provide negative emissions, while others highlight its water cleaning and soil enhancing qualities. Miscanthus × giganteus' perennial nature, its ability to grow on marginal land, its water efficiency, non-invasiveness, low fertilizer needs, significant carbon sequestration and high yield have sparked significant interest among researchers, with some arguing that it has "ideal" energy crop properties. Just like Pennisetum purpureum, Arundo donax and Saccharum ravennae, it is also called elephant grass. It is a perennial grass with bamboo-like stems that can grow to heights of 3–4 metres (13 ft) in one season (from the third season onwards). Miscanthus × giganteus, also known as the giant miscanthus, is a sterile hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus.