Publication Date

1989

Location

Nice France

Description

Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) biomass can be a source of energy for tropical regions of the world because of its high dry matter production (Mislevy et al., 1986 ; Prine et al., 1987). Research has shown the production of energy (meth­ane) from biomass can be best understood through systems analysis methodology that integrates the availability of land, climate, production inputs, plant quality, etc. To assess avail­able technology and identify information gaps Biomass to Methane (Biomet) models have been developed to determine the impacts of basic growth processes in response to the crops environment (Mishoe et al., 1987). Biomass growth of elephantgrass is based on a carbon balance which includes photosynthesis, respiration, partitioning and senescence. Biomass is partitioned into various plant parts : leaves, stem, roots, etc. The purpose of this study was to monitor the per­centage change of green and dead leaves and the stem component at four physiological stages of growth and several fertilizer and application levels.

Share

COinS
 

Changes in Elephantgrass Plant Components with Maturity: 1. Percentage Dry Yield

Nice France

Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) biomass can be a source of energy for tropical regions of the world because of its high dry matter production (Mislevy et al., 1986 ; Prine et al., 1987). Research has shown the production of energy (meth­ane) from biomass can be best understood through systems analysis methodology that integrates the availability of land, climate, production inputs, plant quality, etc. To assess avail­able technology and identify information gaps Biomass to Methane (Biomet) models have been developed to determine the impacts of basic growth processes in response to the crops environment (Mishoe et al., 1987). Biomass growth of elephantgrass is based on a carbon balance which includes photosynthesis, respiration, partitioning and senescence. Biomass is partitioned into various plant parts : leaves, stem, roots, etc. The purpose of this study was to monitor the per­centage change of green and dead leaves and the stem component at four physiological stages of growth and several fertilizer and application levels.