Description
Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) has been investigated as a potential industrial crop in Sweden and other European countries. Reed canary grass (RCG) can be used as raw-material for paper pulp or as biofuel for combustion. A new harvest method, the delayed harvesting system, was developed which makes it possible to get dry, ready to store, material. The method reduces cost and improves quality of the product. The use of RCG as an industrial crop requires a completely different quality compared to forage. The important part is the cellulose while protein and mineral nutrients are disturbing the process both as a fuel and in fibre production. Different botanical parts of the plant have different quality; it is possible to further improve quality by fractionating and processing. So far all experiments have been conducted with varieties of RCG developed for forage use. A plant breeding programme has been started aiming at varieties suitable for the new area.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Use of Biomass From Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacea) as Raw Material for Production of Paper Pulp and Fuel
Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) has been investigated as a potential industrial crop in Sweden and other European countries. Reed canary grass (RCG) can be used as raw-material for paper pulp or as biofuel for combustion. A new harvest method, the delayed harvesting system, was developed which makes it possible to get dry, ready to store, material. The method reduces cost and improves quality of the product. The use of RCG as an industrial crop requires a completely different quality compared to forage. The important part is the cellulose while protein and mineral nutrients are disturbing the process both as a fuel and in fibre production. Different botanical parts of the plant have different quality; it is possible to further improve quality by fractionating and processing. So far all experiments have been conducted with varieties of RCG developed for forage use. A plant breeding programme has been started aiming at varieties suitable for the new area.
