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Genotypic variability in mineral composition of switchgrass.

H M El-Nashaar¹, G M Banowetz, S M Griffith

¹USDA/ARS, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.

Bioresource Technology

|November 21, 2008

Summary

Switchgrass mineral content varies significantly by genotype and environment, impacting its use as an energy crop. Understanding these variations is key for sustainable biomass production and thermochemical conversion.

Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Biomass Energy
Plant Physiology

Background:

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising perennial energy crop in the USA.
It offers substantial biomass yield and ecological benefits.
Technologies are advancing for converting herbaceous biomass to energy.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess how genotype and production environment affect mineral concentrations in switchgrass.
To quantify potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) removal during biomass harvest.
To evaluate the sustainability of switchgrass for thermochemical conversion.

Main Methods:

Analysis of mineral concentrations (Al, Ca, Cl, K, P, Si, S) in switchgrass biomass.
Evaluation across diverse production environments and genotypes.
Quantification of nutrient removal based on harvested biomass.

Main Results:

Significant variability in mineral concentrations (Al, Ca, Cl, K, P, Si, S) was observed across locations, ranging from twofold to eightfold.
Location strongly influenced mineral concentrations, with latitude affecting Cl and Si.
Population x location interactions were the main drivers of mineral variability.

Conclusions:

Genotype and production environment significantly influence switchgrass mineral composition.
This variability impacts its suitability for thermochemical conversion.
Understanding these factors is crucial for sustainable energy crop management and nutrient cycling.

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