EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BIOMASS YIELD AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF FOUR PROMISING ENERGY CROPS (MISCANTHUS, SWITCHGRASS, GIANT REED, BULBOUS CANARYGRASS) UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CONDITIONS.

摘要

This study was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 100, 150, 200 kg ha- 1) on biomass yield and quality parameters of Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and bulbous canarygrass (Phalaris aquatica L.) under Mediterranean Conditions. Only stem diameter was strongly influenced by nitrogen fertilization among parameters. The highest stem diameter (7.42 mm) was observed in 200 kg ha~(-1) N followed by 150 kg ha~(-1) N (7.34 mm) and 100 kg ha~(-1) N (7.16 mm) with slight differences whereas the lowest was in 0 kg ha~(-1) N (6.53 mm). Significant differences were observed among species in terms of plant height, stem diameter and moisture ratio. The highest moisture ratio (57.99 %) was determined in switchgrass followed by giant reed (54.19 %), miscanthus (50.58 %) and bulbous canarygrass (15.90 %). There was no significant difference in DM yield in species, ranging from 15.84 to 11.17 t ha~(-1). Satisfactory biomass yield results were provided by all species in the study considering first year results of field trial. Nevertheless, long-term yield data are needed to select the most appropriate specie and nitrogen rate for sustainable biomass production under Mediterranean conditions.